Jim Innes | |
25 March 2016 It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Jim Innes this week. Jim Innes will always be remembered as one of the founding members of the West Highland Free Press. Along with Brian Wilson, Jim Wilkie and David Scott, he established the paper in 1972. One of Jim’s tasks was to compile the weekly shinty reports and his enthusiasm for the game remained and he was a visitor to Pairc nan Laoch on his family visits to Portree. Jim’s father-in-law Billy MacKinnon was a member of Skye Camanachd’s 1950 Sutherland Cup winning side whilst his brother-in-law Willie MacKinnon was part of Skye Camanachd’s 1990 Camanachd Cup winning side. Jim’s direct involvement with the Wet Highland Free Press continued until 2009 when the paper was the subject of a successful staff buy-out. He also had a great interest in politics and was a prominent figure within the Labour Party. Former Labour MP Brian Wilson gave the following tribute On hearing of Jim’s passing, former Labour Party spin doctor Alastair Campbell tweeted, “Scotland and Scottish Labour have lost one of the best. Jim Innes too young and his cancer killed too quickly. Thoughts with Rhoda and family.” Sky News Presenter Adam Boulton tweeted, “Jim Innes one of the best ever press officers and human beings RIP.” Scottish Labour Leader, Kezia Dugdale said, "Jim was a very fine, principled and funny man." Former Scotland First Minister Lord McConnell said, “Jim was fun, fearless, smart and a dedicated socialist." Journalist Bernard Ponsonby paid the following tribute Jim Innes passed away on Wednesday 23 March 2016 after a short illness. Everyone at Skye Camanachd passes on their sympathies to Jim’s wife Rhoda and the extended family. |