A TRIBUTE to a North Berwick resident who had a key role in drafting Scottish laws has been paid by East Lothian MSP Iain Gray.

Mr Gray lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament in praise of John McCluskie QC, who passed away earlier this year.

It asked that the Parliament “note with sadness” the passing and paid tribute to “the significant behind-the-scenes contribution” he made to devolution and the legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament.

Mr McCluskie was the former head of the Scottish legal drafting team at the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

He wrote the first act of the new Scottish Parliament and also drafted Scotland’s ‘right to roam’ legislation and the bill that outlawed smoking in public places. He introduced and repealed the poll tax in Scotland.

After retiring, he continued to act as a consultant to backbench MSPs drafting legislation, with the bill requiring sanitary products to be made free in Scotland being the last one he worked on.

Mr McCluskie was a strong supporter of respite centre Leuchie House. His wife Janis is also a volunteer.

He was a trustee and volunteer at Leuchie for many years, and often drove the bus.

Janis said: “Leuchie loved him.

“The guests thought he was wonderful.

“He was always telling stories and people loved listening to them.”

Mr McCluskie had two children, Robert and Katherine.

He died suddenly at home on August 7 at the age of 74.

Mr Gray said: “John McCluskie had a remarkable influence on Scottish law and politics, spanning many decades.”