Tributes paid to former West Renfrewshire MSP

Tributes have been paid to the former deputy presiding officer Trish Godman, who died at the age of 79.

Godman was one of the original MSPs elected in 1999 and represented West Renfrewshire until she retired in 2011.

She was also deputy presiding officer for eight years.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard described Ms Godman as "determined and principled" and a "great fighter for her constituents and for the Labour Party".

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said: “Trish’s many friends across the parliament will be saddened to hear this news.

“She was one of the original ‘99ers and with a ready smile and a gentle manner, she was well liked, not only as a constituency MSP, but by politicians from all parties.

“Her election not once, but twice as one of the parliament’s deputy presiding officers was testimony to the regard and affection in which she was held.

“I know that staff and elected representatives at the Scottish Parliament would want to send her family our deepest sympathy at this sad time.”

Before becoming an MSP, Godman worked as a support worker for those suffering from alcohol or drug addiction in the east end of Glasgow.