FORMER Lib Dem leader and MP for North East Fife Lord Menzies Campbell has died at the age of 84.

Paying tribute, party leader Sir Ed Davey described him as “a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK and a true Liberal giant.”

Born in Glasgow, Sir Menzies — known as “Ming” — studied law at the University of Glasgow alongside future Scottish Labour leader Donald Dewar, both becoming debating champions.

A talented sprinter, he represented Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and once held the British 100m record. Elected to parliament in 1987, he rose to prominence as Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman during the Iraq War, warning then prime minister Tony Blair he had “some explaining to do.”

Friend and former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown said Britain had “lost a decent, compassionate, always courteous leader with whom it was always a pleasure to work.”

First Minister John Swinney posted on X: “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.”