Former Lib Dem leader and ex-Black Isle MP Charles Kennedy dies, aged 55
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CHARLES Kennedy has died, aged 55.
The former Lib Dem leader, who was ousted from a Westminster constituency that included the Black Isle just last month, died at his home in Fort William yesterday.
No cause of death has yet been released.
In a statement his family said: "It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.
"Charles died at home in Fort William yesterday. He was 55. We are obviously devastated at the loss.
"Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son.
"We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days."
Confirming the news a Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police officers attended an address at Fort William on Monday 1st June to reports of the sudden death of a 55-year-old man. Police were notified by ambulance service personnel. There are no suspicious circumstances."
Tributes have flooded in from across the political spectrum for a politician who was well-liked by colleagues and political rivals alike.
The man who ousted him as MP for the Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat, Ian Blackford, was among those to issue a statement following Mr Kennedy's death.
In a Tweet he said: "So sorry to hear the dreadful news that Charles Kennedy had passed away. A man of such great ability, such a tragedy he has passed away. RIP."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also among those to pay tribute, saying she was "sad beyond words" to hear about Mr Kennedy's sudden death.
She added: "A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon."
Tributes from within his own party have also flooded in, with fellow former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown among them.
"In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency," he said.
Former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg added: "Charles devoted his life to public service, yet he had an unusual gift for speaking about politics with humour and humility which touched people well beyond the world of politics.
"He was a staunch internationalist and passionate believer in Britain's role in Europe, yet he was a proud Highlander, Scot and British parliamentarian."
"He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq.
"He led the Liberal Democrats to our party's greatest electoral successes, yet he always remained modest about his huge achievements."
