Sir Menzies Campbell, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, has died at the age of 84.
The party confirmed the news of his death on Friday morning.
"The thoughts of everyone in our party are with his family at this time," the Scottish Liberal Democrats said.
Lord Campbell, who led the party from 2006 to 2007, died in London following a period of respite care.
Party leader Sir Ed Davey described Lord Campbell – known as Ming – as “a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant”.
Sir Ed said: “With a parliamentary career spanning five decades, Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant.
“He was the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on foreign affairs when the world changed on 9/11, and his principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom. He spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard.
“Like so many of us, I benefited greatly from Ming’s advice and guidance over the many years we worked closely together.
"But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague, with such generosity and humour.
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Lord Menzies Campbell served as Lib Dem leader from 2006 to 2007
| GETTY“Ming was always great company – whether talking about sport with the authority of a captain of Britain’s athletics team and a British 100m record-holder, or asking about you and your family, when he would always pass on kind thoughts from his wife, Elspeth – his rock.
“All of us in the Liberal Democrat family and beyond will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.”
Lord Campbell’s grandson Gregor Grant-Suttie described him as “a rare breed of Scotsman”.
He added: “Ming achieved a lot through his life, across sport, law and politics.
"But the myriad of accolades and awards he collected in his professional life paled in comparison to his achievements as a husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute to Lord Campbell, who was MP for North East Fife for almost three decades from 1987 to 2015.
Mr Swinney wrote to X: “I am very sorry to hear of the death of Ming Campbell.
“He was a formidable, and courteous political leader who served the people of NE Fife with devotion. He was a strong voice for establishing a Scottish Parliament.”
Glasgow-born Lord Campbell held several other roles throughout his political career, including as Foreign Affairs spokesman for the Liberal Democrats between 1992 and 2006.
He became known for leading the party's opposition to the Iraq War in 2003.
In 2006, he was also made Chancellor of the University of St Andrews.
Lord Campbell was leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007
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Paying tribute to him today, the university said: "He dedicated his time and expertise to the University with great generosity and regularly represented the University dutifully at home and abroad.
"Ming gave the University’s Loyal Address to His Majesty King Charles III in March 2023, a once-in-a-generation responsibility as one of 27 Privileged Bodies in the United Kingdom.
"Ming had an unfailing ability to put everyone at ease, from politicians and constituents to students and staff, and a gift of never forgetting a face or name. His reassuring presence, warmth, and wit will be much missed across the University.
Lord Campbell held a career as an athlete prior to entering the world of politics
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"The University flags will fly at half-mast as a mark of the respect with which Lord Campbell was held by this community."
Lord Campbell was made a life peer in 2015, becoming known as Lord Campbell of Pittenweem.
Prior to entering the world of politics, he held a career as an athlete.
He broke Olympic gold medalist Wyndham Halswelle's Scottish 300 yards record in 1961 and competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in the 200 metres and 4x100 metres relay.