Nicola Sturgeon has revealed her heartache over the death of Scotland’s first Asian MSP Bashir Ahmad.
The First Minister took to social media to describe her continuing “sense of shock and heartbreak” on the twelfth anniversary of his death.
In a poignant tribute, she said still missed the Glasgow politician who died at the age of 68.
The First Minister wrote: “12 years ago today this special man left us. I remember the sense of shock and heartbreak like it was yesterday.
"Bashir Ahmad made history as Scotland’s first Asian MSP but to me and many others he was, first and foremost, a friend. I still miss him.”
About 1,000 people, including politicians from across the political spectrum, attended Mr Ahmad’s funeral at Glasgow’s Central Mosque.
Mr Ahmad, who was elected in 2007 as an SNP member for Glasgow, had previously served on the city’s council.
The then First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute, saying he was the kindest, most decent human being he had met.
Mr Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and former Labour leader Iain Gray attended the service.
Mr Ahmad was also remembered by current Scottish Justice Minister Humza Yousaf who tweeted: "To this day I have not met a man as kind, generous or humble as late (Uncle) Bashir Ahmad. 12yrs since he passed.
"He taught me so much, I would be a better man for remembering his example more often.
"I love this pic, captures his famous smile and boy did he know how to rock a kilt."
