Tributes were paid last night from across the political spectrum to Ray Michie, Baroness Michie of Gallanach, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll and Bute who has died.

Lady Michie stepped down as an MP in 2001 but continued in public service, latterly on the Scottish Broadcasting Commission which she joined despite battling with cancer. She died on Tuesday, aged 74.

Lady Michie was rooted in the Liberal Highland tradition, championing crofting, fishing and the establishment of a Scottish parliament.

When she was elevated to the House of Lords in 2001, she was the first member to take her oath of allegiance in Gaelic. Like her father, Lord Bannerman of Kildonan, who as the Liberal MP John Bannerman laid the foundations for the post-war Liberal resurgence in the Highlands, she devoted her working life to the area and Liberal cause.

Working as a speech therapist, she first contested the Argyll and Bute constituency in 1979 and took it on her third attempt in 1987, sweeping out the Conservative Minister John Mackay. Her LibDem successor Alan Reid MP said the people of Argyll and Bute will always have a special place in their hearts for her.

At Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Gordon Brown described Lady Michie as an "outstanding parliamentarian". Tributes flooded in from her own party with condolences being led by LibDem leader Nick Clegg who broke the news to the Commons.

Nicol Stephen, leader of the LibDems in Scotland, paid tribute to an MP "who always fought tirelessly for her constituents and for Scotland".

Charles Kennedy said her death left public life poorer. "She was one of my closest personal friends and professional confidantes," he said.

First Minister Alex Salmond said Lady Michie was incredibly highly regarded across all parties. "We will all miss her very much and I send my condolences to her friends and family," he said. Lady Michie is survived by her husband and two daughters.