Assisted Suicide Campaigner Margo MacDonald MSP Dies Aged 70

The independent MSP and former SNP politician Margo McDonald has died.

A member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, the 70-year-old had been suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Her husband Jim Sillars said: "Today the brightest light in the Scottish political firmament has gone out."

Ms MacDonald, a hugely influential figure in the Scottish independence movement, rose to prominence after winning the Glasgow Govan Westminster by-election for the SNP in 1973.

She later served as an SNP MSP for the Lothian region, before going on to represent the area as an independent member of the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Sillars, a former SNP deputy leader, said: "My wife Margo MacDonald died peacefully at home surrounded by her family today at 1.10pm.

"She leaves a void in our lives which will be impossible to fill and her death robs the Scottish nation of one of its greatest talents.

"She was without question the most able politician of her generation.

"Today the brightest light in the Scottish political firmament has gone out."

Tributes for Ms MacDonald, herself a former SNP deputy leader, poured in from across the political divide.

'Wit and sparkle'

Green MSP Patrick Harvie, said: "I've always enjoyed the wit and sparkle she brought to debates in the chamber, but she could also offer a formidable challenge when it was needed, and showed long term dedication to the causes she chose to work for.

"Margo won't now see the culmination of two debates she was deeply involved in; the referendum on Scotland's independence, and the Assisted Suicide Bill which she introduced last year.

"But as both these debates continue, I am certain that campaigners on all sides will recognise Margo MacDonald's contribution to Scottish public life, her vibrancy and her passion.

"I know I'll miss her every time I walk into the chamber."

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick, added: "Margo MacDonald was brave, passionate and committed.

To be known and recognised by a first name is reserved to very few. But everyone knew Margo. She had a rare skill in being able to translate political speak into language we could all understand.

"She was a sparkling jewel in the Scottish Parliament, her contributions were incisive, intelligent and always got to the heart of the issue under discussion.

"Margo cared about people and, in return, they cared about her."

'Force of nature'

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, said: "Margo's passing sees a bright light, and one of the biggest personalities and characters of Scottish modern political life, go out.

"Her sense of humour, passion, integrity and unflinching desire to speak truth to power, meant she came as close to a political treasure in Scotland as I think it is possible to be."

Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, added: "Margo was a force of nature in Scottish life.

"The affection for her transcends party politics and political parties. Her personal kindness and professional charm will be missed in the parliament, throughout the Lothians and far wider