JOHN Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon have led tributes to SNP minister Christina McKelvie, who passed away this morning at the age of 57.
McKelvie was the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse and was the Scottish Government Minister for Drugs and Alcohol policy.
Her partner, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane and deputy leader of the SNP, confirmed McKelvie’s death on Thursday morning.
John Swinney paid tribute to McKelvie as he said: “I am devastated to learn of the passing of Christina McKelvie – one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met in my life.
“In all the years since I first met Christina, I have been so grateful to call her my friend and colleague and to benefit from her warmth and loyalty.
“Christina was fiercely proud of her Easterhouse roots, and she often spoke of how injustices her family experienced in her childhood had inspired her to join the trade union movement and enter elected politics.
I am devastated at the passing of Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. A force of nature, Christina enhanced the lives of all around her. My deepest sympathy to Keith, Jack and Lewis. pic.twitter.com/tHzb5tOw35
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) March 27, 2025
“In her almost two decades as a Member of the Scottish Parliament, Christina put her values into action. Whether it was helping her constituents in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, serving as a highly-respected committee convenor, or in the Ministerial posts she held, Christina was always a fierce champion for equality, social justice, for Scottish independence and for a better world.
“But for all her many political achievements, Christina was first and foremost deeply committed to her family. Everyone could see the joy that she and her partner Keith brought to each other’s lives, and she spoke so often over the years of her pride for her sons, and more recently her immense joy at becoming a granny.
“In recent years, when Christina returned to Parliament after treatment for breast cancer, she was determined to help those around her – using her platform to encourage women to check themselves and go to screening appointments.
“The Scottish National Party has lost one of its finest, and I have lost an outstanding Minister in my government. I know her loss will be felt right across the Parliament and among the countless constituents she supported over the years. Christina was such a big-hearted woman, with compassion and social justice at her core. Her political allies and opponents would agree - she truly was a force of nature.
“Today, my thoughts and prayers are with Keith, her sons Jack and Lewis and her wider family and many friends.”
“Today, we have lost our much loved Christina and know she will be very much missed by all our family and also her many, many friends, staff and constituents," Brown said in a statement.
In a statement on Instagram, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to McKelvie as having "the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known".
Sturgeon wrote: "It is going to take a very long time for those of us who loved her to come to terms with the passing this morning of our friend and colleague, Christina McKelvie MSP. Christina was kind, loyal, compassionate and full of life.
"My heart goes out to Keith, who in recent years brought her more happiness and joy than he will ever know; and to her beloved boys, Lewis and Jack, both fine young men very much in their mum’s mould.
"All of us in @thesnp and @scotparl will carry her in our hearts forever. Her memory and legacy will be with us always. RIP my beautiful friend."
Former first minister Humza Yousaf wrote: "Heartbroken at the news of Christina's passing
"Her beautiful, warm personality made her loved amongst her constituents & all of us that had the honour of her friendship
"I'm so sad that I won't hear her wonderful, hearty laugh again. My thoughts with Keith, Jack, Lewis & family"
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: "This morning we have lost a beautiful person, treasured friend & colleague. Deepest condolences to Keith, Jack, Lewis & all who loved her. RIP Christina we will miss you so much."
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Christina was the best of all of us. She was one of the most caring, passionate and driven people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Her smile would light up a room. Her kindness lifted people."
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar wrote: "This is terribly sad news. My thoughts and the thoughts of the entire Scottish Labour Party are with Keith, her wider family, friends and all her colleagues across the parliament."
Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater said: "Saddened by this morning’s news of Christina’s passing. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were laughing, chatting and working together. We'll all miss her bright smile and presence more than I can say. My deepest sympathy to Keith and Christina’s family."
Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "Desperately sad news about Christina McKelvie. I’m thinking of all those who loved her today. I served as her deputy convener on the Equalities Committee for 5yrs in the last Parliament. She was a passionate advocate for minorities and human rights. A real loss to our Parliament."
