First Minister pays tribute to Charles Kennedy

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Charles Kennedy.

She said her thoughts today are with his family, friends and party colleagues.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Charles was a hugely well-respected and well-liked man. He was without doubt one of the towering political talents of his generation - a sharp debater, who deployed knowledge, experience and wit to wonderful effect.

"He will be remembered - amongst his many other achievements - for his principled opposition to the war in Iraq and leading his party to its best ever election result. Charles devoted his life to serving Scotland and his beloved Highlands.

"His passion for making our country a better place to live is his lasting legacy. I am proud to have known Charles Kennedy and our country today is the poorer for his passing."

Other tributes have started pouring in following the shock news early this morning of his death.

Charles Kennedy's former constituency chairman Highland Councillor Jamie Stone said: "My wife Flora and I were utterly devastated by this terrible news.

"It was solely because of Charles that I decided to join the then SDP which was to eventually merge with the Liberals to form today's Liberal Democrat party.

"Charles was a star who glittered very brightly in the political firmament, but at the same time he never lost his extraordinary ability to communicate with ordinary people in a way that was virtually unique in politics.

"I have lost the truest of friends, someone who meant a very great deal to me.

"He will be deeply mourned in the Highlands and far beyond - but he will also remain bright in our memories for the rest of our lives.

"Our hearts go out to his family and his young son Donald."

Amanda Frazer, Chairwoman of the Federation of Small Business’ Highlands and Islands Region, said: “It is with immense sadness that we hear of the death of Charles Kennedy.

"He was a great man, a great politician and a great Highlander. Indeed, it is striking how many of the tributes being paid to him by politicians, journalists and others refer to his radical Highland roots.

"The Highlands and Islands was fundamental to Charles’ life and he was a great supporter of its small businesses.

"His passing will be greatly lamented by many FSB members, both within and outwith his former constituency.”

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