Tributes paid following sudden death of Charles Kennedy
TRIBUTES are pouring in for Charles Kennedy, the former Liberal Democrat leader, who died at his home in Lochaber on Monday.
He was 55.
Mr Kennedy, the former MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, represented Ross-shire from 1983. He lost his seat at May's General Election.
Mr Kennedy’s family said in a statement: "It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.
"We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son."
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police officers attended an address at Fort William on Monday, June 1 to reports of the sudden death of a 55-year-old man. Police were notified by ambulance service personnel. There are no suspicious circumstances."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Charles Kennedy and my thoughts today are with his family, friends and party colleagues who will all be devastated by his passing.
"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."
Mr 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."
On Twitter, Ian Blackford, SNP MP who won the Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat, said: "So sorry to hear the dreadful news. A man of such great ability, such a tragedy he has passed away. RIP."
