Tributes paid to former Lib Dem leader

Published on Monday 28 July 2008 10:53

LORD Russell-Johnston, former leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, has died on the eve of his 76th birthday.

Party leader Nick Clegg said the peer, who was a frontbench spokesman for many years, was "an institution in his own right".

Representing an Inverness seat for 33 years until 1997, he is believed to have been in Paris when he died. The cause of death was not immediately known.>

Mr Clegg said his thoughts were with the peer's wife and three sons.

The acting leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Michael Moore MP, said: "Russell Johnston's death is a terrible loss, not only to his family and friends, but also to Scotland. He was one of the giants of Scottish Liberalism in the last quarter century and stood out with his passionate advocacy of Home Rule and his practical commitment to internationalism.

"His fierce pride in Scotland and its values, and his compassion for his constituents and fellow Scots was echoed in his longstanding involvement in the human rights work of the Council of Europe. He will be sorely missed."