Tributes paid to leading Scottish lawyer Paul McBride QC

Tributes have been paid to leading Scottish lawyer Paul McBride, who died suddenly while on a trip to Pakistan.

He was found dead in his hotel room in Lahore on Sunday after complaining of feeling unwell the previous evening.

He had become the youngest QC in the country at the age of 35. Officials in Pakistan have suggested he may have had a heart condition.

Two men are currently on trial in Glasgow accused of sending suspected parcel bombs to Mr McBride and others.

Police in Lahore said a post-mortem examination was due to take place.

Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar was in Pakistan with the QC and told BBC Scotland he persuaded security staff at the Pearl Continental hotel to break open the door of Mr McBride's room after becoming concerned when he failed to answer his phone.

The 46-year-old was called to the Scottish Bar in 1988 and has been involved in many high profile criminal cases in Scotland.

Cameron Ritchie, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "We are very shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Paul McBride.

"Paul was one of the best known figures in Scotland's legal profession and was greatly admired by many. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time."

Mr McBride was a board member of the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

Chairman of the board, Iain Robertson, and chief executive, Lindsay Montgomery, said: "He was a greatly valued member of the board and made a huge contribution to our work and to the justice system.

"His intellect, generosity and kindness to those he met will be greatly missed.

"Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to his partner, family and friends."

As well as being a high-profile supporter of Celtic, Mr Bride also represented the football club on disciplinary matters.

Lord Reid, a former Celtic chairman, said: "He was a great colleague and friend and will be sadly missed well beyond his own family. My thoughts are with them.

"We exchanged texts only a couple of days ago."

Mr McBride is a former member of Labour and the Scottish Conservatives.

He left the Scottish Conservatives last June after Ruth Davidson was elected to lead the party north of the border.

First Minister Alex Salmond led the political tribute describing Mr McBride as "an outstanding Advocate, and a very substantial public figure in Scotland".

Johann Lamont, leader of Scottish Labour, said: "Paul McBride was one of the finest legal minds of his generation. While we didn't always agree, I always thought of him as a thoroughly decent man.

"He will be missed."

Conservative MSP, Jackson Carlaw, said: "Paul McBride was a personal friend and I am shocked at this news which all of those who knew him will find difficult to take in.

"Paul was an outstanding legal talent and a hugely colourful personality with a razor sharp mind."

Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said: "Cutting short Paul McBride's full and colourful life is so sad. Scotland will be a lesser place without him."