Donald Gorrie, former Lib Dem MP and MSP, dies aged 79

POLITICAL leaders have paid tribute to former Liberal Democrat MP and MSP Donald Gorrie who has died at the age of 79.

Mr Gorrie, who was said to have been ill for some time, started his political career as an Edinburgh city councillor in 1991.

He later represented the Edinburgh West constituency as an MP at Westminster, before serving as MSP for Central Scotland until 2007 when he stood down from the Scottish Parliament.

Described by his peers as a “true gentleman”, Mr Gorrie was said to have used his political career to battle for “fairness, opportunity and justice”.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “With a liberal backbone made of steel Donald Gorrie dedicated his life to challenging the establishment.

“A highly effective councillor and parliamentarian he revelled in the battle for fairness, opportunity and justice.

“Donald was never afraid to be a lone voice and his boundless energy was evident throughout his 36 years of public service.

“The Liberal Democrats will forever be grateful for the life of Donald Gorrie. We will miss him.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Astrid and his family.”

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “It is sad to hear of Donald’s passing and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“I knew Donald both as an MP and an MSP. He was a highly and widely respected member of the Scottish Parliament who made a substantial contribution to the Scottish Parliament in its early days.

“He was a man of independent mind and spirit who was willing to champion minority causes.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Colin Keir, MSP for Edinburgh Western, said: “I’ve known Donald for many years from the Edinburgh political scene and he was a true gentleman.

“Donald was a well-known and influential figure in Edinburgh, particularly here in Edinburgh West, and was held in very high regard by all, regardless of political rivalries.

“My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”