POLITICAL leaders have shared their memories of former MSP Margo MacDonald who died earlier this month.

First Minister Alex Salmond led a motion of condolence at the Scottish Parliament, joined by leaders of Labour, Liberal Demo-crats, Conservatives and the Green and independent group.

Ms MacDonald, 70, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, was a former SNP politician but spent much of her Holyrood career as an independent member. She was fondly remembered as a witty and engaging personality who stuck to her principles while offering sound advice on issues as diverse as the constitution and what jewellery to wear.

The veteran politician championed controversial subjects such as the right to assisted suicide and the plight of prostitutes in the capital, which she repres-ented as the Lothians MSP.

Mr Salmond said: "She managed to be influential but also widely loved by politicians and people, but particularly by the people."

She was a "force of political" nature after winning the Govan by-election for a seat at Westminster in 1973, he said.

"She held the seat for a mere three months but, arguably, had more influence of real politics than people who sat in Westminster for 30 years," he added.

Labour leader Johann Lamont said: "She had strong views but it was clear that those views did not in themselves define her. They were an expression of the deeply held values which had shaped her life."

Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Margo's passing leaves the political life of this nation a more dull place, because she lit it up."

Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: "She was trusted and authentic. Margo was able to tread that line between rebellion and credibility."

Ms MacDonald joined two former SNP members and two Green MSPs to form a parliamentary group which she dubbed the "Grindies".