A Person of Extraordinary Courage and Moral Authority: My Tribute to Former Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary, Jeane Freeman, MSP

Jeane Freeman, MSP

Former Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport

Professor Joe Goldblatt

I held the door for the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary as she entered her government vehicle to take her to yet another official angagement upon a busy day. She casually mentioned that she would attend and speak at four engagements on this day and it was a Sunday.

Through the window of the vehicle I handled her a large bouquet of red roses and thanked her on behalf of the Edinburgh Jewish Cultual Centre for joining us to announce for the first time the estabishment of the Gertrude Herzfeld Prize for Health at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. I then wished her good luck with her busy day. She looked up, winked at me and self effacingly said “Thanks, I shall need it”

The date of our ceremony was 8 March 2020. Five days later the Scottish Government announced the first death of a Covid 19 patient in Scotland.

Soon, the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman MSP became a well kent face to millions of Scots as we relied upon her factual, calm, and wise counsel as part of the frequently televised Scottish Government television briefings. However, on 8 March I was in awe of her professionalism and integrity. In my view she was one of the greatest leaders and public servants I have known as I observed her on 8 March, International Women’s Day, calmly conducting her duties despite the great behind the scenes turmoil she must have been experiencing as she dilligently and tirelessly worked hard to try and protect the health of our nation.

Over many years I came to greatly admire her devotion to another brilliant person, Susan Stewart, who was appointed first Scottish Affairs First Secretary at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. Their deep admiration for one another and collective devotion to public service, will serve for many other citizens as sterling role models for many generations to come.

I lik to think that Dr Gertrude Herzfeld would be gratified that a former nurse who became the highest health official in our country on International Women’s Day spoke with hope, optimisim, and courage at the inaugural ceremony launching the prize in her name that is now acclaimed throughout the world.

May the sacred memory of Jeane Freeman, MSP be a blessing for all time for our country and for the world. I believe it will be.

In the Jewish tradition the loss of a great person is seen as a deep wound. Some Jewish people wear a small black ribbon for one year to remind others of their loss or wound. We are also reminded that the wound shall heal over time and leave a scar. The scar reminds us of the memory and love that will endure forever.

And so it is with my friend who was a great and courageous daughter and defender of freedom for our nation, the now immortal Jeane Freeman, MSP.

Professor Joe Goldblatt is Emeritus Professor of Planned Events at Queeen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. His views are his own. For more information about his views visit www.joegoldblatt.scot