Sir George Reid dies aged 86

Former Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Sir George Reid has died at the age of 86.

He was an SNP MP for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire in the 1970s, and served as an MSP from 1999 to 2007.

Reid, who was from Tullibody, was knighted in 2012 for services to Scottish politics and public life.

Flags at the Scottish Parliament are being lowered today as a mark of respect.

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said:

“On behalf of all at the Scottish Parliament, I express our deepest sadness at the death of our second Presiding Officer, The Rt Hon Sir George Reid. He’ll be remembered not only for bringing the Holyrood construction project to completion, but for building confidence and ambition in our young Parliament.

“A proud son of Clackmannanshire and an internationalist by outlook, he was determined to put Holyrood on the map at home and abroad, and very much succeeded.  By the time he left office, Holyrood was established at the centre of public life in Scotland and over a million people had visited to see for themselves the new Parliament in action.

“The story of devolution and the early years of our Parliament will remember George fondly and with gratitude. My deepest condolences to Daphne, his daughter and grandchildren and his many friends and colleagues. Sir George was welcoming and supportive to me, in Holyrood and outwith. He will be very much missed.

“Flags at Holyrood have been lowered as a mark of respect.”