Northern Ireland

Former Lord Mayor of Belfast Ian Adamson dies aged 74

Former Ulster Unionist MLA Dr Ian Adamson died aged 74
Former Ulster Unionist MLA Dr Ian Adamson died aged 74 Former Ulster Unionist MLA Dr Ian Adamson died aged 74

A former Ulster Unionist MLA who spoke both Ulster Scots and Irish has died aged 74.

Ian Adamson served as a councillor in Belfast from 1989 to 2011, including a term as lord mayor, and was an MLA for East Belfast from 1998 to 2003.

In 1998 he was awarded an OBE for services to local government.

UUP leader Robin Swann paid tribute to the retired paediatrician, who was also the personal physician and an advisor on history and culture to Ian Paisley snr.

“In addition to his political career he was a medical doctor and had a keen interest and provided a wealth of knowledge in the field of history, particularly local history and Ulster Scots, and was the author of numerous books and papers," he said.

“He made a huge contribution to cultural and political life and will be greatly missed by his many colleagues and friends.”

Party chairman Lord Empey, who served with Dr Adamson at both City Hall and Stormont, said he had "a great sense of humour and dry wit".

"His flair for cultural issues, particularly as they applied to the Ulster Scots tradition, were brought to life with his lectures and anecdotes.

"Those of us who were colleagues in the City Hall will miss him greatly.”

Born in Bangor, Co Down, Dr Adamson was accepted as a member of the International Medical Association of Lourdes for services to disabled children and young people in the Falls area of Belfast.

He was also the UUP's first honorary historian until he retired from active politics eight years ago and established the Somme Heritage Centre in Conlig, Co Down.