Events from the year 1979 in Scotland.
Incumbents
Secretary of State for Scotland and Keeper of the Great Seal – Bruce Millan until 4 May; then George Younger
Law officers Lord Advocate – Ronald King Murray; then Lord Mackay of Clashfern Solicitor General for Scotland – Lord McCluskey; then Nicholas Fairbairn
Judiciary Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General – Lord Emslie Lord Justice Clerk – Lord Wheatley Chairman of the Scottish Land Court – Lord Elliott
Events 1 March – Scottish devolution referendum: Scotland votes by a majority of 77,437 for a Scottish Assembly, which is not implemented at this time due to a condition that at least 40% of the electorate must support the proposal. A devolved parliament known as the Scottish Executive, would not be established until 1 May 1999, under the conditions of the Scotland Act 1998, following a successful referendum on the issue in 1997. 17 March – Penmanshiel Tunnel collapses during reconstruction, killing two workers. A replacement tunnel opens to rail traffic on 20 August. 12 April – Cromarty Bridge opens. 16 April – Paisley Gilmour Street rail accident: Seven killed in a head-on collision. 4 May – UK general election: The Labour Party wins a majority of seats in Scotland but the Conservatives win by a 43-seat majority across the UK as a whole, with Margaret Thatcher becoming the first female Prime Minister; remaining as head of government until her resignation in 1990. George Younger is appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, an office he will hold until January 1986. 7 June – The first election is held for the European Parliament, with the Conservatives winning five, Labour winning two and the Scottish National Party winning one of the 8 seats available in Scotland. 12 June – The Tayberry is patented. 29 June – The search is called off for the crew from the fishing vessel Carinthia lost off the Orkney Islands, with all six men presumed dead. 8 September – Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. set a new UK transfer record by paying just under £1,500,000 for Glasgow-born Aston Villa and Scotland striker Andy Gray. Property on Raasay is sold to the Highlands and Islands Development Board.
Births 23 January – Dawn O'Porter, née Porter, television presenter and novelist 2 February – David Paisley, actor 15 February Scott Severin, footballer Gordon Shedden, racing driver Pauline McFadyen, synchronised swimmer 22 February – Claire Johnston, lawn bowler 20 April Gregor Tait, swimmer Ruth Connell, actress and producer 21 April – James McAvoy, actor 11 May – Tim Baillie, slalom canoer 15 May – James Mackenzie, actor and television presenter 9 June – Fraser Watts, cricketer 20 June – Julie Fowlis, folk singer 31 August – Simon Neil, singer-songwriter 23 December – Kenny Miller, association football player
Deaths 24 February – Sir James Hutchison, 1st Baronet, shipbuilder, army officer and politician (born 1893) 16 September – Marion Cameron Gray, mathematician (born 1902) 27 September – Jimmy McCulloch, musician (born 1953)
The arts Alternative rock trio Cocteau Twins is formed in Grangemouth. National Youth Orchestra of Scotland is formed. Pier Arts Centre established in Stromness to display the collection of modern British art donated by Margaret Gardiner.
See also 1979 in Northern Ireland
References