Leith says farewell to Stewart Blaik

Hundreds of mourners from Leith and further afield were at Seafield crematorium this morning to say farewell to Stewart Blaik. Stewart, who died last week at the age of 75, had been a very active member of the CWU, Leith Labour Party, and the Leith Central Community Council. A family man, at the core of his community, a good neighbour - and the turnout reflected that broad life he had led. I'm glad to have counted him as a friend and comrade.

I knew him of course mainly through the Labour Party and his work in the community - he was one of those people who kept local community activity going - someone firmly rooted in his community, but someone who always saw, understood, and analysed the wider picture, contributing to our international and national debates and politics as well. I will miss him very much.