The COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison has expressed her horror and sorrow at the deeply shocking news that Sir David Amess MP had been stabbed and tragically passed away this afternoon.

Councillor Evison said:

“On behalf of Scottish Local Government I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Sir David’s family, friends and colleagues at this truly, truly awful time for them.

“Whilst Democracy and freedom of speech are the cornerstones of any civil society, terrible events like this cannot be tolerated in politics or in any other profession or walk of life.”