The tenacious former Scottish Conservative MP Sir Albert McQuarrie, once dubbed the “Buchan Bulldog”, has died at the age of 98.
He served as MP for East Aberdeenshire and later Banff and Buchan from 1979 until 1987 when he was ousted by future First Minister Alex Salmond.
Renowned for his fighting spirit and strong opinions on the future of Gibraltar, Sir Albert also campaigned fervently on behalf of the north-east fishing industry.
He lived in the Buchan village of Mintlaw and celebrated his birthday on January 1.
He died in his sleep in the early hours of yesterday morning.
In the aftermath of his death, tributes from friends, politicians and former adversaries have flooded in.
Prominent Peterhead trawlerman Jimmy Buchan – who contested the Banff and Buchan constituency as a Tory in 2010 – spoke of his close friendship with Sir Albert.
Mr Buchan said: “I saw him just before Christmas and yes, he was an elderly gentleman, but he was an elderly statesman too and, By God, he had he kept his political focus.
“He stayed loyal throughout to the Conservative and Unionist cause, he worked hard during the referendum and speaking to him was very uplifting.”
The Amity skipper added: “I’m grateful that I knew him as a friend.”
Sir Albert played a crucial role in the development of Peterhead harbour, and, last night, port authority boss John Wallace mourned his loss. He said: “He was a wonderful ambassador for the north-east and particularly Peterhead.
“He championed the south bay development through parliament, and it is indicative of our respect for him that one of our piers is named the Sir Albert Quay.”
Councillor Jim Gifford, Aberdeenshire’s Conservative group leader, added: “Sir Albert was a formidable character and was until recently attending events and hustings. Our prayers go to the whole McQuarrie family and he will be sadly missed.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said she was “saddened” by the death of Sir Albert, whom she described as “a tremendous servant to our party, and to the north-east.”
And North-east Tory MSP Nanette Milne echoed the thoughts of her party leader. She said: “Sir Albert was a long standing and feisty campaigner for communities across the north-east.
“He worked especially hard for the fishing communities of Banff and Buchan in his time as their local MP when he was fondly known as the Buchan Bulldog.”
Sympathy also came from across the political divide with Mr Salmond, one of Sir Albert’s fiercest rivals, describing him as a “worthy opponent”.
The former First Minister said: “He revelled in his title of the Buchan Bulldog and will be much missed, obviously by friends and family, but also the wider political and public life in Scotland.”
SNP MP, Eilidh Whiteford, the incumbent in Sir Albert’s former constituency, added: “After leaving public office, he continued to play an active role in his local community until very recently and will be much missed.”
Speaking from Sir Albert’s home in Mintlaw last night, son Dermot said his father had “passed away peacefully” but said the family did not wish to comment further.