to politics, the Scottish parliamentary process and public life in Scotland. Personal life Fergusson was the Honorary President of English-Speaking Union Scotland. He was a patron of the Galloway National Park Association, a campaign for the area to become Scotland's third national park. He listed rugby, curling, Scottish country dancing, folk music and public speaking amongst his hobbies. Fergusson was a male-line grandson of Sir Charles Fergusson, 7th Baronet and so was in the remainder to that baronetcy. He was also descended from many Scottish noble families including the Earls of Glasgow, Earls of Dalhousie, and Barons Crofton Fergusson was knighted in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to politics, the Scottish parliamentary process and public life in Scotland. Death Fergusson died on 31 July 2018. He was 69 years old. His cause of death was ruled a "short illness". The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute on Twitter, calling Fergusson a "distinguished presiding officer" and a "dedicated parliamentarian". The then leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Ruth Davidson also paid tribute on Twitter, calling Fergusson a "huge figure in the Scottish Conservative Party" and said that he "will be missed by many". References External links Alex Fergusson MSP Official profile at the site of the Conservative Party Alex Fergusson MSP Official profile at personal website Alex Fergusson, countryside man BBC profile 1949 births 2018 deaths People from Dumfries and Galloway Conservative MSPs Deputy Lieutenants of Ayrshire and Arran People educated at Eton College Presiding Officers of the Scottish Parliament Alumni of Scotland's Rural College 20th-century Scottish farmers Members of the Scottish Parliament 1999–2003 Members of the Scottish Parliament 2003–2007 Members of the Scottish Parliament 2007–2011 Members of the Scottish Parliament 2011–2016 Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom Scottish Presbyterians Knights Bachelor Politicians awarded knighthoods