Hamilton: A Legacy of Law, Politics, and Literature
From the courtroom to the political stage, Hamilton led a multifaceted life defined by a commitment to Scottish identity and public service. A qualified lawyer by trade, he expanded his influence through the arts, academia, and active political engagement, leaving behind a legacy of polemical writing and a lifelong dedication to the cause of Scottish independence.
Key Facts
- Profession: Practising lawyer and author.
- Political Affiliation: Primarily the Scottish National Party (SNP).
- Academic Leadership: Rector of the University of Aberdeen (1994–1996).
- Literary Works: Author of A Touch of Treason and A Touch More Treason.
- Death: Passed away on 3 October 2022, at the age of 97.
Professional and Artistic Beginnings
Following his university graduation, Hamilton entered the legal profession after being admitted to the bar. While his primary career was in law, he also pursued creative writing. In early 1957, his play The Tinkers of the World was staged at the Gateway Theatre in Edinburgh, marking an early foray into the performing arts.
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Political Career and Advocacy
Hamilton's political journey began with a brief tenure in the Labour Party, but he spent the majority of his life as an active member of the Scottish National Party (SNP). He sought public office on several occasions, representing the SNP as a candidate for the Strathclyde East seat during the 1994 European Parliament election. Later, in 1999, he ran for the Greenock and Inverclyde seat in the Scottish Parliament election.
Beyond electoral politics, Hamilton utilized digital platforms to voice his opinions. He maintained a blog focused on Scottish social and political life and used Twitter to express his ongoing support for Scottish independence.
Academic Contributions and Honors
Hamilton held significant roles within Scottish higher education. He served as the Rector of the University of Aberdeen from 1994 to 1996. In recognition of his contributions, the university awarded him an honorary degree, the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), during his final year in office.
In 1999, he was nominated by the Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association to run for the Glasgow University Rectorial election. In a closely contested race, he finished second to actor Ross Kemp.
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Literary Works and Polemics
Hamilton is remembered for his autobiographical and polemical writings—works intended to provoke thought or challenge established opinions. He authored two significant books: A Touch of Treason (1990) and A Touch More Treason (1994), both of which blended personal history with political commentary.
Legal Dispute with Royal Bank of Scotland
In February 2009, Hamilton became the subject of media reports from the BBC and The Daily Telegraph when he sued the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The lawsuit centered on the purchase of 640 shares at £2 per share in April 2008, part of a £12 billion rights issue (an offering of new shares to existing shareholders).
Hamilton alleged that RBS had mis-sold the shares and induced him to invest on behalf of his wife by concealing the bank's true financial state. He claimed the bank was negligent by representing itself as solvent when it was, in fact, insolvent. While RBS vowed to defend itself in the small claims court, Hamilton dropped the case on 26 February 2009. This decision followed a ruling by the sheriff at Oban Sheriff Court that the legal and factual complexities of the case required it to be heard in a higher court.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Profession | Admitted to the bar; practising lawyer |
| Political Candidacies | European Parliament (1994), Scottish Parliament (1999) |
| Academic Roles | Rector of University of Aberdeen (1994-1996) |
| Key Publications | A Touch of Treason (1990), A Touch More Treason (1994) |
| Notable Legal Action | Lawsuit against RBS regarding 2008 rights issue |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which political parties was Hamilton affiliated with?
Hamilton was briefly a member of the Labour Party, but he spent most of his political life as an active member of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
What were Hamilton's primary literary contributions?
He wrote the play The Tinkers of the World and two autobiographical, polemical books titled A Touch of Treason and A Touch More Treason.
What was the outcome of the RBS lawsuit?
Hamilton dropped the case on 26 February 2009 after the Oban Sheriff Court ruled that the complexity of the matter necessitated a trial in a higher court.
What academic honors did Hamilton receive?
He served as the Rector of the University of Aberdeen from 1994 to 1996 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
When and where did Hamilton pass away?
Hamilton died in North Connel on 3 October 2022, at the age of 97.