Memorial service held for former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament

Family, friends and MSPs have been paying tribute. Credit: ITV Border

A memorial service for the politician Sir Alex Fergusson is being held today in Kirkcudbright.

The former Scottish Conservative MSP, who represented the south of Scotland for 17 years, died last month after a short illness. He was 69-years-old.

Family, friends and MSPs from across the political spectrum have been paying tribute.

He served as Holyrood's third presiding officer from 2007 to 2011.

Sir Alex was honoured with a knighthood for his services to politics and public life.

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education in the Scottish Government, has paid tribute:

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