TRIBUTES from across the political divide have poured in for Charles Kennedy, underlining his popular appeal not just in Scotland but throughout the UK as a whole.

The political and personal accolades were led by David Cameron, who said the passing of the former Liberal Democrat leader was not only a tragic loss for Mr Kennedy's family but also for politics and public life in general.

"It's not that often in politics that someone comes along with brains, talent, wit and bags of humanity and Charles had all of those things. He achieved so much so young and he's been taken from us far too soon," said the Prime Minister.

Nick Clegg, the former LibDem leader, declared: "Charles Kennedy, on form on a good day when he was feeling strong and happy, had more political talent in his little finger than the rest of us put together.

"That's why everyone felt, still, of course, feels today, that it was so tragic to see someone with such huge gifts should also struggle, as many people do, with the demons that clearly beset him and the problems that he acknowledged he had with alcohol."

Tony Blair, the ex-Prime Minister, whose policy of invading Iraq was so forcefully opposed by Mr Kennedy, described his demise as "an absolute tragedy", adding: "He was throughout his time a lovely, genuine and deeply committed public servant."

His Labour colleague Gordon Brown described the ex-party leader as "one of the greatest debaters, orators and communicators who brought humour to politics...who effortlessly combined rock-solid principles with a personality that was always open to argument and ready to listen".

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, said Mr Kennedy's death was "sad beyond words", tweeting: "A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon."

Jim Murphy, the outgoing Scottish Labour leader, said: "Scotland and the whole United Kingdom has lost a political giant."

His deputy Kezia Dugdale said: "Politics has just lost one of its most principled and best advocates."

Lord Ashdown, who was succeeded as Lib Dem leader by Mr Kennedy, noted: "In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, Charles brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said he felt "absolutely devastated that somebody of such great talent, warmth and personality has just been taken from us" while his LibDem colleague Danny Alexander, the ex-Treasury Chief Secretary, said: "Charles was a Highlander through and through, a great liberal, and one of the most talented politicians of his generation."

Jeremy Hunt, the Conservative Health Secretary, described Mr Kennedy as "a giant of British politics". He told Sky News: "We are in an era where people are quite cynical and suspicious of politicians; they think we are out of touch. He was someone who really had the common touch."

Ukip leader Nigel Farage expressed his sorrow at the death of Mr Kennedy, whom he described as "always a polite and decent man".

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, where Mr Kennedy studied and served as rector for two terms, said the former MP was "a friend to all who came into contact with him" and added that the college's thoughts and prayers were with Mr Kennedy's family at "this dreadfully sad and tragic time".

Lord Prescott, Labour's former Deputy Prime Minister, said: "He proved to be right on Iraq. History will be as kind to him as he was to others."

Former North Devon MP Sir Nick Harvey said Mr Kennedy had got "all the big decisions right" as leader.

"He was a very warm hearted individual, as engaging and witty in private as he was in public."

Newsnight's Kirsty Wark, who interviewed him many times, tweeted: "Charles Kennedy was so talented. A fine orator, a strategist , a witty and warm man who never displayed any self importance."

TV presenter Jeremy Vine, writing on Twitter as said: "Utterly shocked at death of Charles Kennedy. A politician with a personal touch for everyone. So young, too: just 55."

Labour MP Tom Watson added: "Charles Kennedy was a kind man, a good dad and a substantial political leader. We will all miss him. Hope his family are given privacy."

Julia Goldsworthy, a former Lib Dem MP in west Cornwall, once considered a party heartland, wrote: "Shocked to hear the so very sad news that Charles Kennedy has died. Such a talented and effective communicator. Sending love to his family."

Liberal Democrat former Bath MP Don Foster said on Twitter: "Hugely saddened by death of Charles Kennedy. Decent, witty, talented, influential....loved for being 'fully paid up member of human race'."

Businessman and star of Dragon's Den Duncan Bannatyne tweeted: "Shocked to hear about sudden death of Charles Kennedy A very principled and good man. RIP."