Dave Thompson MSP

The news of the death of Charles Kennedy, former MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and former Liberal Democrat leader has been met with shock and sadness by Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and Ian Blackford the newly elected MP for Mr Kennedy’s former constituency.

Mr Thompson said, “Charles Kennedy was a wonderful man who I appreciated knowing and debating with. My, and my wife Veronica’s, prayers go out for him and to his family at this sad time.

He went on, “Charles is a great loss to the Highlands. Though we disagreed on some points he always offered wise words and I believe he displayed great integrity and great courage.

Mr Blackford said, “Charles Kennedy had so much more to give to Scotland and it’s people. My prayers and those of my family are being offered for him and his family at this the worst of times.

He went on, “Charles was a great democrat and was magnanimous in defeat as well as victory, I would like to say I have lost a friend.”