Sir David: A career of "distinction"

MSPs thanked Sir David for his service and told him he had played an important and historic role in the first Scottish Parliament session for almost 300 years.

First Minister Jack McConnell said that Sir David's experience and commitment had been "fundamental to our success as a young parliament".

Mr McConnell said Sir David had enjoyed a career of "distinction" and had made a massive contribution to the United Kingdom and the Liberal movement worldwide.

Liberal leader

Sir David, who is 65 on Monday, has been in Scottish politics for almost 40 years.

He was the youngest MP at Westminster in 1965 when he was elected at the age of 26.

He served the people of the Scottish Borders for 32 years and was leader of the Liberal Party for 12 years.

After retiring in 1997, he took a seat in the House of Lords as Lord Steel of Aikwood.

However, with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 he returned to politics to serve as its first presiding officer.

The informality, the courtesy and the respect that characterises our proceedings is a tribute to his example and his lead to us all. First Minister Jack McConnell

Mr McConnell said Sir David's appointment to the presiding officer post was "highly appropriate" as he had been an active leader of the constitutional convention, the body which drew up the scheme from which the parliament was created.

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney hailed Sir David as "an individual of wise guidance and wise leadership who has served this parliament well over the last four years".

Scots Tory leader David McLetchie said the presiding officer had "given outstanding service to public life in Scotland".

And he drew laughter from around the chamber when he paraphrased a famous speech Sir David made to a Liberal Party conference while he was leader.

Mr McLetchie said: "Sir David, in conclusion, I say to you 'go back to your constituency and prepare for retirement'."

Dignified and distinguished

Lib Dem leader Jim Wallace, who has worked closely with Sir David throughout his own political career, also praised his work as Presiding Officer.

He said: "The role of our first Presiding Officer has been a historic one. It is with gratitude and warmth that we congratulate you on the dignified and distinguished way in which you have discharged your duties."

An emotional Sir David told MSPs it had been a "privilege" to be their presiding officer.