Everyone at SIDA has been saddened to hear the news that Christina McKelvie MSP, who served as Scotland’s Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development between March 2023 and February 2024, has passed away.
Christina will be fondly remembered by Scotland’s international development community for her passion for the brief, and her willingness to engage regularly with stakeholders from across SIDA’s membership.
Paying tribute, SIDA’s Chief Executive Frances Guy said:
“On behalf of those in SIDA who had the pleasure to work with Christina McKelvie in her time as Minister for International Development I would like to share our thoughts for her family at this difficult time, and to share our gratitude for the time she took to meet with many of us and the time she took to listen to our concerns and to make us feel appreciated.
“Christina brought a warmth and friendliness to her Ministerial role which made her approachable. She went out of her way to learn about the complexities of global inequalities and was willing to meet anyone who wanted to raise an issue with her.
“We will cherish our memories of her and her kindness.”
A book of condolence has been opened at the Scottish Parliament for members of the public who wish to pay their respects, and for those who are unable to visit the Parliament building there is an online book of condolence.
Image: Christina McKelvie speaking at the Scotland-Malawi Partnership AGM in 2023, with thanks to the Scotland-Malawi Partnership for permission to use.