Sister of Holyrood ‘speaker’ dies in blaze

The sister of the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has died in a house fire.

Ms Marwick said the death of her older sister Maureen Brown, who had lived alone since the recent death of her husband Ian from cancer, was a “devastating blow”.

Mrs Brown, 60, who was one of three sisters and had five grandchildren, was found dead in her house in Dunfermline, Fife, after the fire on Monday. Fife fire brigade is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Ms Marwick requested that the family be given time to grieve following the death of Mrs Brown, who had been badly affected by ME in recent years. “This is a devastating blow to our family.

“It is particularly sad as Maureen’s husband died only very recently.

“We are immensely grateful for all the messages of support we have received from friends and neighbours. Our family greatly appreciates now being given the time to grieve together in private,” she said.

It is believed that one of Ms Marwick’s deputies, Elaine Smith or John Scott, could preside over the opening of the new parliamentary session next week.

The fire at Mrs Brown’s house was discovered when a neighbour raised the alarm after smelling smoke coming from Mrs Brown’s mid-terraced house. Fire crews and paramedics arrived on the scene, but could do nothing to save Mrs Brown.

Detective Inspector David McLaren, investigating Mrs Brown’s death, said: “At this early stage, indications are that there are no suspicious circumstances, although we will continue to keep an open mind.

“A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal at Dunfermline outlining the circumstances of her death.”

Meanwhile, the Presiding Officer received condolences from politicians of different parties at Holyrood.

Ms Smith, the deputy presiding officer, said: “This is very sad news. MSPs from all across the Scottish Parliament will send their condolences to Trisha and the family at this sad time. They will all be in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days and weeks ahead.”

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: “This is so sad. My thoughts are with Tricia and her family. I am sure the whole parliament will be thinking of her today.”

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is tragic news, and the thoughts of everyone in the SNP and the Scottish Government go to Tricia and her whole family.”