New MSP Cameron Buchanan sworn in at Holyrood

A new MSP has been sworn in to the Scottish Parliament to replace the late David McLetchie.

Cameron Buchanan took the seat of the former Scottish Conservative leader, who died of cancer on 12 August.

As a regional list member for Lothian, the 66-year-old became an MSP without the need for a by-election.

On Tuesday, politicians paid tribute to 61-year-old Mr McLetchie following their return to Holyrood from the summer recess.

Mr Buchanan, a textile entrepreneur who lives in Edinburgh, is a former vice-chairman of his party and speaks five languages.

He was most recently the managing director of woollen merchants Harrisons of Edinburgh.

The new MSP said: "In spite of the very sad circumstances, as I knew David very well, I'm very pleased and excited to be an MSP, particularly at this time in Scottish politics."

In 2010, Mr Buchanan was diagnosed with a brain tumour, an illness from which he later recovered.

In one of his first acts as an MSP, Mr Buchanan became the 92nd member of parliament to sign a motion calling on fellow MSP Bill Walker - who was convicted of a string of domestic abuse offences against his ex-wives last month - to stand down.

The Holyrood motion was lodged by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie.