Veteran Scottish politician, Margo MacDonald, has died after a two-decade battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The right to die campaigner and independent MSP passed away at home with her family around her, husband Jim Sillars confirmed.
She had been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999 and was a vociferous campaigner for independence, despite having quit the SNP.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum.
Mr Sillars said: “My wife Margo MacDonald died peacefully at home surrounded by her family today at 1.10pm.
“She leaves a void in our lives which will be impossible to fill and her death robs the Scottish nation of one of its greatest talents.
“She was without question the most able politician of her generation. Today the brightest light in the Scottish political firmament has gone out. Her legacy will speak for itself.
“She supported and inspired generations of idealists and campaigners who, like her, wanted Scotland to take its place in the world.
“Her talent acted like a magnet and she gave her time so freely to so many for so long.
“Many will mourn, but the pain of loss will be borne most of all by those at the heart of her life; her children and her grandchildren, we will do all we can to honour her memory.”
For full tributes, see Saturday’s Courier.