The First Minister has led tributes to an award-winning Scottish architect who has died aged 48.

Gareth Hoskins is reported to have suffered a heart attack after taking part in a fencing match. He died on Saturday at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

His firm Hoskins Architects carried out the £47m refurbishment of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The project won his firm the Andrew Doolan award for the best building in Scotland for 2011 and he was awarded an OBE for Services to Architecture in 2010.

He had been working on several high-profile projects, including controversial plans to convert the former Royal High School on Edinburgh's Calton Hill into a luxury hotel.

Mr Hoskins was also responsible for the design of the popular Mareel music venue and cinema in Shetland and the redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter to write: "Very sad to hear of the death of Gareth Hoskins, one of Scotland's finest architects. My thoughts with his family."

Her thoughts were echoed by Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop who said: "Very sorry to hear of the death of Gareth Hoskins - hugely respected and talented architect - my thoughts with family and friends."

Hoskins set up his company in Glasgow in 1998 and won UK Architect of the Year in 2006 and Scottish Architect of the Year in 2009.

A statement from Hoskins Architects said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm that Gareth Hoskins OBE, the founder and Managing Director of Hoskins Architects, has died.

"Gareth, who was 48, took ill at an event in Edinburgh on Sunday 3 January and, despite receiving the best care possible in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, he passed away on Saturday.

"Everyone at Hoskins Architects is deeply shocked and saddened by this untimely loss. Our thoughts are with Gareth's family."

Chris Coleman-Smith, a co-director of Hoskins Architects, said: "Everyone at Hoskins Architects has lost an exceptional architect, a visionary and a gifted leader, but above all a very good friend.

"Gareth leaves a huge gap, he was such a special person. We appreciate the very many messages of condolence that have already been received."

A private family funeral and a memorial service will be held at a later date.