Former Scottish Conservative leader David McLetchie has died following a period of ill health.
The 61-year-old, who was a list representative for the Lothian region, passed away in the early hours of this morning at the St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh.
An MSP since the start of devolution in 1999, Mr McLetchie served as party leader for the first seven years of the Scottish Parliament before resigning in a row over his taxi expenses.
He later returned to the frontbench and represented the Tories in the organising group of the cross-party anti-independence Better Together campaign.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: “Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family at this desperately sad time.”
Mr McLetchie, who was a lawyer before he became an MSP, had been suffering from cancer. His death comes just two months after he received a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Mr McLetchie is survived by his wife Sheila, and his son James, from his first marriage to his late wife Barbara.
Tributes were paid to him from across the political spectrum, including from both First Minister Alex Salmond and his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.
Mr Salmond said: “David McLetchie was a leading member of the Parliament since 1999 and an extremely effective leader of the Conservative Group in the first Parliament, allowing it to punch politically well above its actual numbers.
“However, I got to know him best when he served as Tory business manager during the period of minority government.
“There his talents excelled, always negotiating hard in his party’s interest but also fairly in the interests of the Parliament and effective government his word was his bond.
“In my estimation, that skilful performance marked David as a very considerable politician of the devolution era and my condolences go to his family and friends.”
Ms Sturgeon expressed her “sincere condolences” to Mr McLetchie’s family, friends and colleagues.
“David was a fine parliamentarian and a true gentleman,” the Deputy First Minister said.
“He was a tough opponent but one who was always willing to find common ground and build consensus.
“He never allowed political disagreements to become personal it was always easy to share a laugh with David, notwithstanding the cut and thrust of political debate.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone in the Scottish Parliament.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie described Mr McLetchie as a “towering figure in this new Scottish parliamentary age”.
He added: “David will forever be regarded as a public servant who made a difference. Whether as party leader or foot soldier he commanded immediate respect and trust from friend and foe alike. I will miss his humour and intelligence.”
Mr McLetchie had been on the board of Better Together, the cross-party group campaigning for a No vote in next year’s independence referendum.
Former Labour chancellor and Better Together chair Alistair Darling joined the tributes to the Tory MSP.
“David made an immense contribution to Scottish politics throughout his life,” Mr Darling said.
“He was hugely instrumental in setting up Better Together. He was passionate in his beliefs. I shall miss his wit and humour and his friendship. My thoughts are with Sheila and his family.”
Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP said he was “truly sorry to hear the news of David’s death”.
He added: “Despite having very different politics, and regularly crossing swords on issues such as social housing, I always found David to be a serious debater with a sharp wit and a respect for political differences.
“I believe that view was shared right across the political spectrum, and David’s style of debate will be greatly missed at Holyrood. I’d like to offer my condolences to David’s friends, colleagues and family.”