Former Scottish secretary Bruce Millan dies aged 85 23 February 2013 Last updated at 13:31 Former Scottish Secretary and European Commissioner Bruce Millan has died at the age of 85. Mr Millan's family paid tribute to a "wonderful, caring father" who died on Thursday after being recently diagnosed with cancer. The Labour politician was born in Dundee and served as an MP in Glasgow for 29 years before taking up a role in Brussels until 1995. Mr Millan is survived by his wife, son and daughter. His son Mark, 56, said: "He always found the right balance for political commitments and his love and care for his family. Our thoughts are with his family, he will be missed by many friends in the Labour Party End Quote Ed Miliband Labour Party leader He was very much involved and generous with his family and his time. He was a great dad. Tribute was also paid by Scottish Labour's Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, who said: "Bruce was someone of whom the Labour Party should be very proud. He was a great public servant and a very modest man. He served with great distinction as Secretary of State and as a European Commissioner and he will be very sadly missed by all of us within the Labour family. Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband said: "Bruce Millan dedicated his life to service of our country and the Labour Party. I am very sad to hear news of his passing. He added: "Our thoughts are with his family, he will be missed by many friends in the Labour Party." Mr Millan was first elected to represent Glasgow Craigton in 1959 and went on to serve in both the Wilson and Callaghan governments. After that Glasgow Craigton seat was abolished Mr Millan went on to represent Glasgow Govan at Westminster until 1988. The SNP's Jim Sillars took the seat in the by-election which followed his departure. Mr Millan then took up the role of European Commissioner for Regional Policy and Cohesion. He also chaired the Millan Committee, which proposed reforms to mental healthcare in Scotland.