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SIR William Macpherson of Cluny, who has died aged 94, led from the front throughout his long life. In doing so – as clan chief, soldier, lawyer, judge and passionate rugby player – he exemplified his noted Jacobite ancestor, Cluny Macpherson, and it was no surprise when he was invited to become one of four patrons of the 1745 Association. Sir William’s trademarks proved to be personal courage and independent judgement. He needed both when in 1997 the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, asked him to lead the inquiry into the racially motivated murder of Stephen Lawrence in April 1993. The investigation took evidence for a year, yet Sir William produced his report inside an astonishing six weeks. His findings that “institutional racism” existed within the Metropolitan Police saw him subject to death threats. However Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, promised action on all 70 recommendations. ....