THERE were flags at half mast outside Holyrood yesterday, and raw emotion within, as tributes were paid by MSPs to Margaret Ewing.

George Reid, the presiding officer, who once served alongside her as an SNP MP at Westminster, said: "She served her country and her constituents to her last day."

Jack McConnell, the first minister, spoke of the devolution debates in the 1970s, saying: "The passion and eloquence of the young Margaret Ewing made an impression on the young Jack McConnell."

Representatives of all parties praised her and Dennis Canavan, representing the independent MSPs, said the parliament was greatly diminished by her passing.