By Sir Malcolm Bruce, former Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon.
Charles Kennedy and I were elected to parliament on the same day – June 9, 1983.
At the count, Duncan Grant, from his campaign team advised him to sit down before telling him he was elected.
Charles quickly found himself en-route to the Grampian Television studios and on the way he asked the accompanying journalist whether MPs got paid, demonstrating how little he had prepared for this event.
Once in London he was courted by everyone as the youngest MP.
What immediately became apparent was how well his experience of the Glasgow University debating society had prepared him.
From the start Charles had two contrasting lifestyles.
In London he was at the centre of political debate, rarely out of the TV studios, speaking in parliament and mixing with commentators, presenters and the leading lights in politics.
Back home he was on the family croft at the foot of Ben Nevis overlooking Loch Eck and his mother made sure he was never short of food and home comforts.
Charles was not just a colleague but a close friend – he was best man at my wedding and then godfather to my daughter.
He presented a case of champagne for her head wetting saying it was the only spiritual guidance she was going to get from him.
Thirty two years on it is worth recalling that the 1983 election also saw Tony Blair arriving in parliament.
Blair led his party to great election victories but ultimately lost its soul in the Iraq war.
On this Charles was crystal clear – the war was wrong and probably illegal.
He spoke clearly and passionately at the anti-war rally and led the Liberal Democrats into the lobby against UK engagement in the war.
This led to election success in 2005 with a record number of seats.
Charles’ many talents would all have enabled him to flourish outside politics.
He was accessible and approachable, he didn’t talk like a politician – just like a normal bloke.
Charles was self deprecating and spoke with charm, wit and humour.
Just before we went our separate ways on the day parliament dissolved I had a long chat with him.
He was on top of his form, relaxed, engaging, funny and set for the fray.
Charles expressed his concern that people he knew told him they were voting SNP but were confident he would be re-elected.
I guess for them as much as for him the result was therefore a disappointment tempered only by the fact that it was right across the board.
Typically, Charles accepted the verdict of the people with dignity and grace despite what he may have been feeling inside.
We have lost a great politician with unique gifts and an enviably emollient style that will be sadly missed and my family and I have lost an irreplaceable friend and colleague.