Alex Johnstone MSP
I was sorry to learn via the BBC that the Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone (55) had passed away soon after being diagnosed with cancer.
I never met the man myself, but I always enjoyed his distinctive north east of Scotland accent which brought colour to and livened up many a political debate in the Holyrood Parliament.
Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone dies aged 55
BBC Scotland
Tributes have been paid to the North East MSP, who had served at the Scottish Parliament since 1999.
The Kincardineshire-born former dairy farmer passed away shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said Mr Johnstone was "a big man with a big heart" who "embodied politics at its best".
He was the longest-serving Scottish Conservative MSP at Holyrood, and the only one to have served continuously from the beginning of the parliament.
Hailing from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Mr Johnstone worked as a farmer before being elected to Holyrood in 1999.
Tributes have been paid to the North East MSP, who had served at the Scottish Parliament since 1999.
The Kincardineshire-born former dairy farmer passed away shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said Mr Johnstone was "a big man with a big heart" who "embodied politics at its best".
He was the longest-serving Scottish Conservative MSP at Holyrood, and the only one to have served continuously from the beginning of the parliament.
Hailing from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Mr Johnstone worked as a farmer before being elected to Holyrood in 1999.
