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Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has died aged 84.
The MP for North East Fife from 1987 to 2015, he served as Lib Dem leader from 2006 to 2007 and was well-known for speaking out on foreign policy.
He was made a life peer in 2015 and was known as the Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, but his friends knew him as Ming.
His grandson, Gregor Grant-Suttie, said Lord Campbell died in London after a period of respite care.
He had been planning to return to Scotland but died “peacefully” at Kyn Hurlingham care home in the presence of his grandson.
Mr Grant-Suttie said that one of his final days was spent watching the Liberal Democrat party conference and enjoying video messages from political friends.
He said: “The myriad of accolades and awards he collected in his professional life paled in comparison to his achievements as a husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend.”
Lord Campbell’s grandson added that he was a “rare breed of Scotsman whose contribution and ideas spanned so much further than his home country’s border”, and gave Scotland “the ability to be extremely proud of one of their own”.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Lord Campbell was “a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant”.
He said he “benefitted greatly” from his advice and guidance, and added: “But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague, with such generosity and humour.
“All of us in the Liberal Democrat family and beyond will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said Lord Campbell was a “formidable and courteous political leader” who served his constituents “with devotion”.
He added: “He was a strong voice for establishing the Scottish Parliament. My sympathy to the Lib Dems and to his…
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