PROFILE

Sir Kenneth Calman, aged 66, is one of Scotland's most eminent medics and public officials, who has handled complicated political issues before, while being the published expert on the medical benefits of laughter.

He was born in Glasgow, brought up in a housing estate in the west of the city and schooled at Allan Glen's.

He trained as a doctor at Glasgow University, specialised in dermatology at first, and after working in London, he returned to his home city in 1974 as professor of cancer medicine. He held that post for 10 years, becoming dean of medical education specialising in palliative care. In 1974, he was made chief medical officer for Scotland and three years later, he took on the same post at the Department of Health in London.

He gained prominence as a key figure in the government's handling of the BSE scare, and led a controversial and far-reaching redesign of Britain's medical career structure.

Sir Kenneth became vice-chancellor of Durham University from 1988 until last year, and graduates of Glasgow University elected him chancellor two years ago. His international recognition includes the chairmanship of the executive board of the World Health Organisation and of the European Environment and Health Committee.

His most recent and seventh book was on storytelling, humour and learning in medicine, arguing laughter makes patients feel better and helps medics to deal with stress.

Married with a family of three, and now living in Glasgow and Arran, his interests range across Scottish literature, golf, gardening, sundials and collecting cartoons.