Labour MSP Helen Eadie dies of cancer, aged 66

Mrs Eadie, who was an MSP since the Scottish Parliament's inception in 1999, was campaigning for Labour colleague Cara Hilton in the Dunfermline by-election in the days before her diagnosis.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said today: "Like many others, I was deeply saddened to hear of Helen's death this morning.

"Helen was very precious to her family. She played an important part in helping to establish the credibility of Holyrood. She will also be fondly remembered within the Scottish co-operative movement. Her commitment to delivering change in our communities was the essence of her political beliefs and values.

"Helen was a politician of tremendous passion and commitment. She was her own woman who didn't fit the political stereotype. Perhaps that's why some underestimated her, but her difference was why she was admired by the people of her constituency.

"She will be missed by many and will be remembered across her constituency in standing up for their needs and concerns.

"My thoughts and those of the whole Scottish Labour movement will be with Helen's family at this difficult time."

Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "As fellow parliamentarians for West Fife, Helen's intense, burning commitment to socialism was inspiring to observe.

"Although a gentle and kind lady, you did not cross Helen without suffering from the sharp end of her tongue.

"Helen made waves for her causes and her constituents. My thoughts are with Bob, family and friends."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson paid tribute to a "committed" parliamentarian who was a "true servant" to her constituents.

"She was a wonderful, warm-hearted woman who would always go the extra mile to help someone out," she said.

"She had friends across all parties, and Scottish politics is poorer for her passing."

Scottish Parliament presiding officer Tricia Marwick MSP described the news as "desperately sad".

"Helen was a kind, hard-working member of our Parliament who was devoted to her constituents and to making their lives better." she said.

"As a fellow Fife MSP I worked closely with Helen on issues that affected Fife and I saw first-hand her unflagging commitment to her constituency.

"In debate, Helen's contributions were passionate, but she could also use humour to good effect. She was well-liked and well-respected across the political divide and will be very much missed at Holyrood."

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Helen served the people she represented diligently over the years, first as a Fife councillor and then as MSP for Dunfermline East and Cowdenbeath.

"Helen was also one of the Scottish Parliament's original MSPs, first elected in 1999, and that unbroken 14-year period at Holyrood is a not inconsiderable record of public service of which her family can be rightly proud."

Former prime minister Gordon Brown, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, said Fife was mourning a "much-loved and well-respected" politician.

He said: "Well-known in all the different communities of the area from Kelty and Ballingry to Rosyth, Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay, Helen will be remembered as a passionate champion of social justice, putting the case for women's equality, for youth employment and for better care of the elderly.

"Our thoughts today are with her husband, Bob, and her daughters, Fiona and Gemma."

Mrs Eadie was born in Stenhousemuir, near Falkirk, and was educated at Larbert Village School, Larbert High and Falkirk Technical College.

She went on to graduate from the London School of Economics with a certificate in trade union studies.

She worked as a member of Fife Regional Council before being elected to the former Dunfermline East constituency in 1999.

Mrs Eadie was an active member of the Church of Scotland and had served on the Scottish Parliament's Health, Transport, Public Petitions and European and External Relations Committees.