Former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling has died, his family has announced.
The 70-year-old held a number of cabinet jobs under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
As chancellor under Brown, he played a key role in handling the UK government’s response to the financial crash in 2008.
Darling, who was an Edinburgh MP for 28 years until he stood down in 2015, also led the Better Together campaign in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
In a statement, his family said: “Mr Darling, the much-loved husband of Margaret and beloved father of Calum and Anna, died after a short spell in Western General Hospital under the wonderful care of the cancer team.”
Blair said: “Alistair Darling was a rarity in politics. I never met anyone who didn’t like him.
“He was highly capable though modest, understated but never to be underestimated, always kind and dignified, even under the intense pressure that politics can generate.
“I remember him with great affection. He has been taken from us far too soon.”
Brown said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Alistair Darling. I, like many relied on his wisdom, calmness in a crisis and his humour. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “Alistair lived a life devoted to public service. He will be remembered as the Chancellor whose calm expertise and honesty helped to guide Britain through the tumult of the global financial crisis.
“He was a lifelong advocate for Scotland and the Scottish people and his greatest professional pride came from representing his constituents in Edinburgh.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Alistair’s counsel and friendship. He was always at hand to provide advice built on his decades of experience - always with his trademark wry, good humour.
“Alistair will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His loss to the Labour Party, his friends and his family is immeasurable.”
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Alistair was one of our great public servants who has left an enduring legacy on our country.
“As chancellor, he showed extraordinary leadership and helped steward our economy during the global financial crisis.
“I will miss his advice and his counsel. But, more than anything I will miss his friendship, his kindness and decency, his humour and his warmth.”
Tributes also came from Darling’s political opponents in both the Conservatives and SNP.