Emotions high amid assisted dying vote

The region's political representatives have been offering their thoughts after a landmark bill aimed at legalising 'assisted dying' passed an initial vote at Holyrood.

- STUART MCFARLANE

The bill would allow terminally-ill, mentally competent adults to seek medical assistance in ending their own lives - but only if they had a terminal illness and had been ruled capable of making the decisions by two separate doctors.

It has been a controversial issue, with protestors gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday while legislators cast their votes inside the chamber on the very first stage of the proposals.

Following an emotionally charged and sometimes poignant debate, MSPs decided to vote in favour of the bill at stage one by 70 votes to 56.

It will now need to clear two more phases of parliamentary scrutiny before it could become law.

The issue was subject to a rare 'free vote' at Holyrood - meaning politicians were able to cast their vote without having to take into account party affiliations.

An example of that saw Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed and Clackmannanshire and Dunblane representative Keith Brown - who both represent the SNP - casting votes on opposite sides.

Ms Tweed voted yes to the bill and said afterwards: "I know assisted dying is an emotive issue and feelings run strong on both sides of the debate.

"This is the most important bill I will ever consider in my time as an MSP and it is important that the issue is approached carefully with sensitivity and compassion.