thirty-one ... fifty

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Aug 25, 2002

Cameron Fyfe Litigious lawyer Age: 47 Education: school in Dumfries; Edinburgh University The man whose zeal for suing is bringing US-style justice to our civil courts. No stranger to publicity, he has for 10 years at Ross Harper Solicitors been pushing the boundaries of human rights law, doubling the incidence of litigation with cases variously significant, controversial and bizarre.

His child abuse cases terrify the Catholic church; he won the first case of a woman suing her boyfriend for infecting her with HIV; he is after airlines over deep vein thrombosis deaths and represents pupils who want compensation from schools for being bullied or not getting an adequate education.

David Murray Businessman Age: 50 Education: Fettes College and Broughton High, Edinburgh Perhaps Scotland's best-known business tycoon, through his chairmanship of Rangers FC through its 1990s glory years. That made him a folk hero for bold investments intended, unsuccessfully, to give the club European success.

Murray did more than most to confront sectarianism, but he recently gave up the Rangers chair to focus on his property, metals and mining empire, which remains firmly rooted in Scotland and closely linked to Bank of Scotland finance.

His property portfolio makes him a major player in Edinburgh's growth.

Andrew Flanagan

SMG chief executive Age: 46 Education: Hillhead High, Glasgow; Glasgow University A serious-minded accountant who drives the Glasgow- based media company, formerly known as Scottish Media Group, spanning Scottish and Grampian TV franchises, the Sunday Herald, The Herald and Evening Times. There is expansion outside Scotland with Primesight billboards, Pearl and Dean, and the acquisition of Ginger Media and Virgin Radio from a Chris Evans-led consortium.

Malcolm Chisholm Health minister Age: 53 Education: George Watson's, Edinburgh; Edinburgh University

THE former teacher has had an unusual career and he is well-known for his unorthodox, easy-going style.

Chisholm is perceived as a left-wing hero for resigning in principle over welfare cuts when he was a Whitehall minister.

He then re-emerged as one of Edinburgh's Labour MSPs in the Scottish parliament.

In the McConnell cabinet, he is regarded as the safe pair of hands with the politically difficult but crucial task of delivering a turnaround in the health service.

Charles Allen Granada chairman Age: 45 Education: Bell College, Hamilton with a proven record in deal-making, the big-earning, London- based Glaswegian is the power-broker who will shape the future of commercial TV throughout Britain.

As chief executive, he grew Granada with hard-won battles to buy Forte and LWT, got burned over ITV Digital, but is still likely to lead a merger with Carlton, creating a media giant which is expected to make a move on the Scottish franchises.

Brian Wilson Energy minister Age: 53 Education: Dunoon Grammar; Dundee and Cardiff universities Single-minded Ayrshire Labour MP, who is a former journalist and Gaelic champion.

Wilson's ministerial career has taken him to a vital role for the north-east's oil and gas industry as he focuses on energy.