Tributes pour in for 'great man'

Political colleagues and opponents were united in expressing their sadness at the death of Donald Dewar.

Political colleagues and opponents were united in expressing their sadness at the death of Donald Dewar.

Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP, said he would "miss the debates and miss the arguments."

"This is desperately sad. All our thoughts are with Donaldÿs friends and family at this particularly difficult time for them,"

Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy said: "He was a man of great vision. He lived to make his vision a reality but was robbed of the chance to see it completely fulfilled.

"He will be a great loss. We must honour his memory. I send my deepest condolences to Donald's family."

Margaret McDonagh, general secretary of the Labour Party, said: "The whole Labour Party is in shock today. Donald was loved by party members throughout the country.

"It is hard to believe it is only two weeks since he was cheered by all of us at party conference. His honesty, integrity and sense of justice always shone through.

"We have not just lost our Scottish leader but a great man."

John Lambie, chair of the Scottish Labour Party, said: "Scotland has lost a true friend with the death of Donald Dewar.

"It is entirely fitting that the Scottish Parliament will become his legacy, given his lifelong commitment to devolution, and the massive part he played in setting up and leading the Parliament through its first year."

The Queen also paid tribute to Mr Dewar and sent a personal message to his family.

Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen and all members of the Royal Family are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Donald Dewar's death.

"His passion for Scotland and all things Scottish was renowned, and his contribution to the historic process of devolution in recent years has been immense.

"As her First Minister in Scotland, Her Majesty has valued greatly his wise counsel and knows how much he will be missed in Scotland and wider afield."