Former Scottish Conservative MP Allan Stewart has died after a short illness, aged 74.

He entered the House of Commons in 1979 after winning the East Renfrewshire constituency, increasing the Conservatives' majority in the seat by 6063 votes.

The MP went on to represent Eastwood, which replaced the East Renfrewshire constituency, until 1997.

Before entering the House of Commons, Stewart obtained a first class degree at St Andrews University and studied at Harvard University before beginning his career as a political economy lecturer until the mid-1970s.

Stewart served as junior Scotland Office minister for two periods - 1981 to 1986 and 1990 to 1995.

The MP was forced to quit his job in the Scotland Office after he brandished a pickaxe at demonstrators who were protesting the construction of the M77.

He was £200 for a breach of the peace over the incident.

He told the Independent at the time: ""I picked up the pickaxe - first of all to avoid anybody else picking it up and secondly in possible self-defence.

"There was then a robust discussion... I felt scared. The situation was extremely unpleasant."

Tributes were paid to the late MP by Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw, who represents Eastwood in Holyrood.

He said: "It was a pleasure to work with Allan during his 18 years as MP for East Renfrewshire and in the years after, in which he remained a staunch supporter and campaigner.

"As the last man to have won Eastwood for the Conservatives, I had Allan very much in mind when I was able to secure Eastwood again for the Scottish Conservatives in May.

"Allan served as a Scottish Officer mnister under both Margaret Thatcher between 1981 and 1986 and John Major between 1990 and 1996.

"He had a considerable influence on policy during those years and was a strong supporter of both Prime Ministers."

Carlaw added: "It was thanks to Allan that Eastwood remained outside of Glasgow during local government reorganisation, instead becoming part of the new East Renfrewshire Council.

"At the 1992 General Election, Allan achieved the largest swing to the Conservatives by an incumbent MP anywhere in the UK, something of which he was immensely proud, before retiring, undefeated, in 1997.

"I certainly benefited from his advice on many occasions over the years and will miss him enormously.

"At his side throughout was Susie and we send our thoughts and all best wishes to her and to their children Jack and Rosa."