Lord Fraser of Carmyllie, the former Tory government minister and Lord Advocate, has died suddenly at the age of 68.
Peter Fraser was a Conservative MP for Angus and a minister in the Thatcher and Major governments.
He was made a life peer in 1989 and served as lord advocate, Scotland's senior law officer, with ultimate responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing investigation.
His wife, Lady Fiona said: "All of my family are with me in Carmyllie and we are completely devastated by Peter's sudden and unexpected death.
"On Friday we were making arrangements and filling our diaries with plans for holidays, the Open golf championship, visits to family and friends and the Christening of our latest grand-daughter, Delphin, and the next morning he was gone."
A funeral service for Lord Fraser's extended family is being organised with a public thanksgiving service to be arranged in a few weeks.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Peter brought a formidable intellect to both Parliament and Government.
"He loved Angus - the area he represented as an MP for so many years, and where he continued to live until his sudden death.
"A hugely engaging figure, he was passionate about both history and the law. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Fiona, and to their family."
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Lord Fraser leaves an outstanding record of public service to Scotland as a politician and, particularly, as Lord Advocate.
"More recently, he readily agreed to serve as an independent adviser to the Scottish Government on the Ministerial Code, another public service he performed without fear, favour or any remuneration.
"Scottish public life is much poorer for his passing and my thoughts are with his wife, Fiona, and their family at this sad time."
Johann Lamont, Scottish Labour leader, said: "Lord Fraser dedicated his life to public service and enjoyed a remarkable career, from the Lockerbie investigation to the inquiry into the parliament.
"He was a popular figure across the political divide and I know he will be greatly missed."
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