SCOTLAND'S political leaders paid tribute to the late Doddie Weir at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.
Speaking during First Minister's Questions politicians from across the political spectrum described the former rugby player as a "brave" man and a "hero".
The former Scotland rugby international died on Saturday aged 52.
He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in December 2016 and went on to found the research charity the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Nicola Sturgeon said Weir was an inspiration to us all.
She said: "[Weir] was a hero on the rugby pitch but he was perhaps even more so off of the rugby pitch.
"My thoughts are condolences are with his wife, children and all of his loved ones."
She lauded Wier as "one of a kind" who campaigned "tirelessly" to raise money to support people with his condition.
The First Minister pledged she would do everything she could to find a cure for MND.
"We share Doddie's vision of a world without MND," Sturgeon said.
"Much of the work we did after 2015 was inspired by the work and campaigning of the late Gordon Aikman who deserves great credit.
"We have invested around £700,000 in research looking at the progression of the conditions and the development of a pipeline for new treatment."
Sturgeon said the Scottish Government had doubled the number of MND specialist nurses in the country and ensured that they're funded for and by the NHS.
She continued: "We need to make sure we support those who have the skills and the expertise to find the cure and that they have all the necessary support and resources to do that.
"I pledge today, in the memory of the great Doddie Weir, that the Government I lead will continue to do all we can to find the cure he so desperately wanted."
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said Weir lived an "incredible life".
He told the chamber: "During his fight to find a cure for motor neuron disease Doddie has been an inspiration to all of us with his bravery, his infectious optimism and his love of life.
"Scotland has lost a true sporting legend and a champion in the fight against motor neuron disease."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said his thoughts were with Weir's family and friends.
He said: "It was clear throughout his life, both as a player and a campaigner he was a force to be reckoned with.
"He viewed his heartbreaking diagnosis of motor neuron disease as a call to action and bravely shared his story with the world, raising millions of pounds for that cause.
"He was an inspiration to us all and he championed for those battling MND and our thoughts are with his family and friends and this time."
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay expressed her party's tribute to the late sportsman.
She said: "His legacy will not just be his rugby but will be his honesty and bravery with which he faced his health condition and the incredible work he did in raising awareness and funding.
"I send the most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family. Their bravery has never failed to astound me and his sons in particular have been in my thoughts this week.
"It's awful to lose a parent so young. They've been great in accompanying their dad to events over the few years and I hope they're getting the support they need."
It comes as a memorial service for the late rugby player was announced.
The service will be held at Melrose Parish Church on December 19.
The announcement was made on the website for the player’s charity, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
In a statement announcing the service, the charity said all were welcome to attend the service at 1pm but that numbers would be limited and sound would be relayed to The Greenyards, the home of Melrose rugby club.
The foundation said: “Please wear any form of Tartan as requested by Doddie. No flowers please. Donations if desired, may be sent to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.”
