Death of Lord Wallace, Patron of The Listening Service Edinburgh

The Listening Service Edinburgh is very sad to advise of the passing of their Patron, Lord Wallace of Tankerness on 29th January 2026.

Lord (Jim) Wallace of Tankerness became Patron of The Listening Service Edinburgh in 2022, having learned about their valuable work, when, as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, he visited Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

As our patron he was an unwavering supporter of the Service rarely missing a board meeting and always helping to steer the direction of the charity. He will be a great loss to the service going forward, but also a personal loss to the trustees and volunteers who knew him as a lovely man and an inspiring figure. James Robertson Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness, PC, KC, FRSE was a highly regarded advocate and politician. He was MP for Orkney & Shetland (1983-2001), and MSP for Orkney (1999-2007). As Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, he was Deputy First Minister of Scotland 1999-2005. 

He was Justice Minister and later Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning. He served as acting First Minister three times before Created a Life Peer in 2007, Jim was Advocate General for Scotland from 2010 to 2015.

He led the Lib Dem Peers from 2013 to 2016 and continued to sit in the House of Lords until his death.

Our thoughts and condolences go to his wife, Lady Rosemary, and his family, for their great loss.