Leading Figure Behind Nation’s Elderly Dies Of Cancer

Jess Barrow, who helped produce Scotland’s vision for the country’s ageing population, has died. She was 43.

{mosimage}Ms Barrow was a leading figure with Age Concern Scotland for 10 years and was seconded to the Scottish Executive in 2005 to develop its strategy to prepare for the changing demographics of the country.

Yesterday, tributes were paid to Ms Barrow and the role she played in improving the lives of older people.

Malcolm Chisholm, who worked with Ms Barrow most recently as Communities Minister, said: “She was particularly committed to promoting the cause of older people in the broadest sense and she had quite a lot of success in doing so.

“She was absolutely central to the development of the Strategy for Scotland with an Ageing Population and she had such a positive view of older people.

“Although she had been a great campaigner for services, she always emphasised the enormous contribution older people could make to society. I valued her very highly in her role. She was a wonderful person who we will all miss.”

David Manion, chief executive of Age Concern Scotland, said Ms Barrow had put Age Concern Scotland on the map.

“Scotland, not just Age Concern Scotland, owes Jess a debt of gratitude because she led the consultation on all our futures: the plan for Scotland with an ageing population,” he said. “She energised large parts of the executive to think about the future of Scotland with an older population. The strategy is a really good piece of work and it will be a lasting testament to her.”

The 20-year plan which was published in March includes encouraging older people to set up their own businesses, increasing opportunities for older people to volunteer in schools and reviewing funding support for older part-time students.

It was announced along with £27m intended to help combat fuel poverty and provide grants to help people adapt their homes as they become less mobile, among other initiatives.

Ms Barrow, who lived in North Queensferry, was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer a year ago and died last Thursday. A private family woodland burial is due to take place today. A gathering to celebrate her life will be arranged at a future date.

She leaves behind husband Gordon Russell and their two sons, James, 17 and Calum, 15.