Tributes after death of former Scottish Conservative leader

The Lothians MSP brought authority laced with wit to his seven years as Scots Tory leader. He twice won the debater prize in The Herald's Scottish Politician of the Year awards before resigning in October 2005 amid questions over his Holyrood expenses relating to his use of taxis.

These infringements of an austere expenses regime were to be thrown into sharp relief by the later scandals at Westminster.

Mr McLetchie was succeeded by Annabel Goldie but he remained a powerful and vital figure for the Conservatives.

Tributes were paid by ­politicians from all parties yesterday.

First Minister Alex Salmond called him "a very considerable politician of the devolution era" based on his effectiveness as Tory leader and his time as Conservative business manager during the period of SNP minority rule.

He said: "His word was his bond. In my estimation that ­skilful performance marked David as a very considerable politician of the devolution era and my condolences go to his family and friends."

Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick said: "David was clever and funny, with the driest of wit. Brilliant in debate and forensic in committee. His intellect made him one of our most effective parliamentarians.

"We shall miss him terribly. The Scottish Parliament's heartfelt condolences go to Sheila and his family."

As a mark of respect, flags at Holyrood will fly at half-mast until Mr McLetchie's funeral.

Conservative and Coalition colleagues also spoke fondly of the former leader. Lord Forsyth, the former ­Scottish Secretary who was close to Mr McLetchie politically, said: "He was brought up in an Edinburgh tenement and was the epitome of everything the Tories stood for under Margaret Thatcher's vision of hard working people getting on.

"Because of his deep, core beliefs and values he was a great debater. If he had gone to ­Westminster he would have been great, but he was committed to Edinburgh, to his football and his golf. He was the opposite of a Bullingdon Tory."

Current Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: "The dignity, courage and good humour with which David faced his illness was inspirational and his passing leaves a large hole in Scottish public life, in the Scottish Conservative Party and among those who were closest to him."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "David has been an immense figure in Scottish politics and a towering strength to our party in Scotland. He was one of Scottish politics' most formidable intellects and finest debaters.

"All he did was carried out with dedication and conviction and his passing leaves a gap in the lives of all who knew him."

Tory Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "In giving clear and principled leadership to Scottish Conservatives in their most difficult days, he gave great service both to Scotland and the Conservative Party."

Liberal Democrat Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "He was an articulate, clever and engaging man, with a passion for debate and a positive future for Scotland within the United Kingdom."

Tributes were also paid by ­Scottish Labour Leader, Johann Lamont, who said: "David's passing will be a huge loss to the Scottish Parliament. We will remember his passion, drive and determination. Despite his failing health, his commitment to representing his constituents in the Lothians meant that he continued his work in Parliament."

Meanwhile, Patrick Harvie, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said: "I was truly sorry to hear the news of David's death.

"Despite having very different politics, and regularly crossing swords on issues such as social housing, I always found David to be a serious debater with a sharp wit and a respect for political differences."

He is survived by his wife, Sheila, 65, and son, James, 32, stepchildren Stuart and Catriona, and four grandchildren.