It will be the main feature of a reading room dedicated to the late First Minister being created within Queensberry House, at the heart of the new Holyrood complex.

The collection has been donated by Mr Dewar's children, Marion and Iain, who expressed their delight at the idea of the reading room.

A parliament spokesman said the items covered 100ft of shelving, and ranged from books and political memorabilia to other items - such as Edinburgh Festival, theatre and football programmes, and menus from lunches and dinners which he attended.

Donald Dewar's love of literature was legendary. His home was full of books, old and new, and covering a vast and varied range of subjects Sir David Steel

The donation was announced at a reception hosted by the parliament's Presiding Officer, Sir David Steel.

"Donald Dewar's love of literature was legendary. His home was full of books, old and new, and covering a vast and varied range of subjects," said Sir David.

Sir David said the room would be named after Mr Dewar as "fitting memorial" to him and his political achievements.

Mr Dewar's son and daughter, Marion and Iain, who made the donation, said: "We are delighted that the parliament is able to accept this collection, and particularly pleased that a dedicated reading room is to be created in his memory."

The Scottish Parliament's inaugural First Minister died in office on 11 October last year, aged 63.