The Scottish Conservatives are sad to announce the death of former party leader David McLetchie CBE MSP.
The 61-year-old passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning, surrounded by family, at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh after a long fight with cancer.
David is survived by his wife, Sheila, 65, and son, James, 32, stepchildren Stuart and Catriona, and four grandchildren.
The family will be making no further comment and have asked the media to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said:
“The dignity, courage and good humour with which David faced his illness was inspirational and his passing leaves a large hole in Scottish public life, in the Scottish Conservative Party and amongst those who were closest to him.
“First and foremost my deepest condolences go to his wife Sheila and their family.
"David had so much left to give and it is difficult to describe just what his loss at such a relatively young age means to all who knew him.
"As leader, he ensured the Scottish Conservatives played a central role in the fledgling Scottish Parliament's development and it is thanks to him that the Scottish Conservatives were able to establish themselves at Holyrood following defeat at Westminster in 1997.
"David was a ferocious debater who could deploy his famous wit to the most telling effect and his finely-tuned legal brain was invaluable when it came to dissecting weak legislation or the arguments of his opponents.
“But such was his conviction and his good humour, that even those he dismantled on the debating chamber floor were happy to share a drink and discussion with him afterwards.
“David had friends in every political party and he was often the fulcrum of some of the most unusual alliances in order to improve, force or block a piece of legislation.
"He enjoyed family life and life away from politics.
“He was an avid golfer, followed both football and rugby and he was always the first to insist that any Conservative night out incorporated a healthy dose of Karaoke.
"As a genuinely imposing character in Holyrood, the value of his presence to the whole institution could not be under-estimated and I particularly appreciated the encouragemnt and sage advice he offered me.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“I was deeply saddened by the news of David’s death. David has been an immense figure in Scottish politics and a towering strength to our party in Scotland. He will be sorely missed.
“When devolution came, he picked up the reins and made sure that the Scottish Conservatives had a strong voice at Holyrood.
“He was one of Scottish politics’ most formidable intellects and finest debaters. All he did was carried out with dedication and conviction and his passing leaves a gap in the lives of all who knew him.
“My heartfelt condolences go to Sheila and his family.”
Scottish Conservative Chairman David Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, said:
“David McLetchie made an outstanding contribution to Scottish politics and public life and will be greatly missed by our party.
“He ensured that the Scottish Conservatives were ready and able to take up the challenges of the creation of the Scottish Parliament and was one of the big beasts of the post devolution era.
“He was renowned as a formidable debater and wit, and was quite simply great company.
“He always showed me great personal kindness and I will always be grateful to him for supporting me in my transition from business to politics as a new MSP.”
James McLetchie said on behalf of the family:
“The family are devastated at the loss but are immensely proud of the courage and dignity which he showed during his illness. He will be greatly missed."