Society pays tribute on Charles Kennedy's untimely death

The Law Society of Scotland has joined in the tributes to Charles Kennedy, the former Liberal Democrat leader whose death at the age of 55 was announced this morning.

President Christine McLintock said: “For over 30 years, Charles Kennedy was at the centre of Scottish and UK politics. As a skilled debater and with wit and charm, he had a unique ability to reach out and connect with people, including those normally disinterested by politics.

“Charles was also a great friend to the Law Society, supporting many of our events. He encouraged us and other organisations to play a full active role in the great political arguments of our time, not least the debate on Scotland’s place in the UK and the UK’s place in Europe. He knew that discussion around these big issues had to extend beyond Parliament, beyond politics and involve wider civic Scotland.

“All of us at the Law Society are sorry to hear of Charles’s passing and our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Other tributes have highlighted Mr Kennedy's warmth as a person and his courage in opposing the war in Iraq. Former First Minister Alex Salmond described him as "by far the most generous person I have ever met in politics". Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "a talented politician who has died too young".