Norman Buchan facts for kids

Norman Findlay Buchan (born October 27, 1922 – died October 23, 1990) was an important politician from the Labour Party in the United Kingdom. He was known for his left-wing political views. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for different areas in Scotland, first for West Renfrewshire from 1964 to 1983, and then for Paisley South from 1983 until his death in 1990.

Early Life and Interests

Before becoming a politician, Norman Buchan worked as a schoolteacher in Rutherglen, Scotland. He had a strong interest in folk music. He even put together a collection of songs called 101 Scottish Songs, which many people fondly called The Wee Red Book.

Political Career Highlights

Norman Buchan became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1964. An MP is someone elected by people in a specific area to represent them in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament.

Government Roles

During his time as an MP, Norman Buchan held several important roles in the government. From 1966 to 1970, he was a Joint Under Secretary of State for Scotland. This meant he helped lead a government department focused on Scottish affairs. Later, from 1974 to 1979, he served as the Minister of State for Agriculture, helping to manage policies related to farming and food. When his party was not in power, he also worked as a Shadow Minister for the Arts, meaning he would challenge the government's policies on arts and culture.

Supporting Free Expression

Norman Buchan was a strong believer in free speech and artistic expression. He spoke out against efforts to stop a televised version of a poem called "V" by Tony Harrison from being shown on Channel 4. He argued that those who wanted to block it had not truly understood the poem.

Influence on Scottish Politics

He also played a role in changing the voting rules for a special public vote, called a referendum, about Scottish Home Rule in the late 1970s. This vote was about giving Scotland more control over its own affairs.

Party Leadership Election

In 1981, during an election for the deputy leader of the Labour Party, Norman Buchan supported a candidate named John Silkin. He chose not to vote in the final round when the choice was between two other candidates, Tony Benn and Denis Healey.

Later Years

Norman Buchan passed away in 1990. After his death, another Labour Party politician, Gordon McMaster, became the MP for Paisley South.

Family Life

Norman Buchan was married for 44 years, from 1946 until his death in 1990, to Janey Buchan. Janey was also a politician and served as a Labour Member of the European Parliament for Glasgow from 1979 to 1994. She passed away in 2012. Their only son, Alasdair Buchan, has worked as a journalist since 1968.