I am so deeply saddened by the death of our dear parliamentary colleague, Christina McKelvey, MSP.

On behalf of all at the Scottish Parliament, my most sincere condolences to Christina's partner,

our friend and colleague Keith Brown, MSP. And to Christina's family and many friends, our entire Parliament, members, staff, all who work

in this building, grieve with you.

A determined and passionate campaigner for social justice and an engaging parliamentarian.

I remember Christina's warm welcome when I arrived as a newly elected MSP in 2011. It meant a lot.

Christina served the Parliament as a committee convener and the Government as a Minister under three First Ministers.

Christina sponsored the Way at Pink campaign in Parliament for many years and said how privileged

she felt to be able to use her platform as an MSP to boost the work of others.

She has expressed her gratitude to all the organisations who provided her with invaluable support as she went through her

own treatment for breast cancer. The flags at Holyrood fly at half-mast today as a mark

of respect for Christina.

A book of condolence for members to sign will be available after First Minister's questions.

We will honour Christina fully in Parliament in the days to come.

First Minister.

Today is an unbearable the days to come. First Minister.

Today is an unbearably sad day as we all come to terms with the loss of our generous, kind,

loyal and fun-loving colleague, Christina McKelvey.

Members across the Chamber all feel that loss, but my party is aching

at the news today. Christina was a parliamentarian of the highest motivation and the finest nature.

I was proud that she was a member of my government, giving her all to make life better for others,

which was always her motivation.

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