Motor Neurone Disease campaigner Gordon Aikman has died at the age of 31.

Mr Aikman's husband, Joe Pike, confirmed that he had passed away in a statement on Twitter this morning.

He tweeted: "My beautiful husband Gordon Aikman has died. We are all heartbroken. He was my best friend, my soulmate and the love of my life."

Mr Aikman, who married Mr Pike in March 2015, was diagnosed with the condition while working as director of research for the Better Together campaign in 2014.

He set up Gordon's Fightback to raise awareness and lobby for more funding for Motor Neurone Disease following his diagnosis.

His fundraising efforts have raised more than £530,000 for MND research.

In a statement on his Just Giving page, Mr Aikman said: "I'm dying. And fast.

"That - in short - was what my doctor told me when I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. It is not the news you expect when 29-years-old.

"There is no cure. Soon it will kill me. That's why I am doing all I can while I can to raise money for MNS Scotland: a great charity that funds research into the disease.

"It'll be too late for me, but we can and we must find a cure for the next generation.

"With your help I can turn a negative into a positive."

Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter this morning to express her sadness at Mr Aikman's passing.

The First Minister announced a review of MND care in Scotland after meeting the campaigner in November 2014.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said she was 'devastated' by the news.

She said: "I am utterly bereft. Although we all knew time was precious, Gordon's death comes as a shock.

"I have lost a best friend and the world has lost a man who made it a better place. I will keep Gordon's husband Joe and all his family in my thoughts and prayers. The wedding of Gordon and Joe was one of the happiest days of my life. I will treasure those memories.

"I will miss Gordon's smile, his laugh, his energy, his brilliant dance moves and terrible singing voice, and his positive outlook on life despite the hand he was dealt towards the end. I will miss his advice and I will miss campaigning with him to advance the causes dear to us. But most of all I will miss just spending time with my friend.

"All of us in the Labour Party will be forever grateful for his commitment to our movement, particularly during his time working in the Scottish Parliament and his pivotal role in the Better Together campaign. His death will be mourned by all those who had the pleasure to work alongside him.

"Although we grieve for Gordon, we must not allow our sadness to erase the many happy memories we have of his time with us. To respond to his MND diagnosis by raising more than £500,000 for research into this horrible disease so that others don't have to suffer like he did should inspire us all.

"Gordon's constant determination to do good for others was an antidote to a world so full of fear and anger. I hope that will be his legacy."

Ruth Davidson said her thoughts were with Mr Aikman's family.

Lawrence Cowan, a close friend of Gordon's and Chair of MND Scotland, said: "Gordon was extraordinary.

"He united people to achieve amazing things.  He transformed MND care in Scotland and set the agenda on the need to invest in MND research.  His legacy will be felt in hospitals and labs up and down the country for years to come.  

"Like everyone who loved him I am grieving today.  But thanks to Gordon's inspirational approach to life I am more determined than ever to turn that grief into good."

People have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Mr Aikman, who was honoured at the Herald Politician of the Year Awards in November 2014.

Craig Stockton, CEO of MND Scotland, said: "Everyone at MND Scotland is deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's passing.

"Although Gordon was diagnosed with a terminal illness, this has still come as a shock to us all. I feel privileged to have known Gordon and to have worked alongside him on MND Scotland’s Board of Trustees.

"In the face of a devastating diagnosis, at the age of just 29, Gordon turned his grief into a drive to fight for the rights of others affected and to fund a cure.  In addition to his campaigning and fundraising efforts, Gordon has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of MND and the daily challenges people with the illness can face, through his own personal experiences.

“Gordon raised over £500,000 for MND Scotland which has been invested into cutting-edge research to find a cure.

“Gordon Aikman has been an inspiration to so many people across Scotland, not just to those affected by MND, but far beyond that.

“We cannot thank Gordon enough for everything he has done not only for the charity but for everyone affected by MND in Scotland.

"Our deepest sympathies are with his friends and family at this very sad time."

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's death. The work he put into raising awareness and funding for the disease that so cruelly took his life was remarkable.

"Few people are able to unite politicians from across the spectrum but Gordon's enthusiasm for life did just that. My heart goes out to his husband Joe and his family and friends."

Edinburgh University Students' Association also paid tribute to Mr Aikman, who was its vice-president for societies and activities in 2007/2008 and its sabbatical officer.

Current societies and activities vice-president Jess Husbands said: "Throughout his time as a student and sabbatical officer at the University of Edinburgh, Gordon was dedicated to supporting the welfare of those around him.

"Being diagnosed with MND did nothing to hinder his inspirational work, but rather he continued to dedicate his career to helping others. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time."

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Right Rev Dr Russell Barr, said: "I was very saddened to learn of the untimely death of Gordon Aikman.

"Although I did not know him, it was impossible not to be impressed by his courage and determination in the face of motor neurone disease.

"In my pastoral work I have supported several people who have suffered from this condition and so I have glimpsed something of what an overwhelming disease it is for the person as well as their family and friends.

"Although Gordon's body was eventually defeated by the condition, nothing defeated his spirit nor his desire to achieve better care for others.

"Gordon was an inspirational human being and his family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers."

If anyone would like to support Gordon's efforts to fund a cure for MND please donate at GordonsFightback.com or text MNDS85 £10 to 70070.