TRIBUTES have been paid to a Scottish parliament official who died while playing a rugby match in Dublin on Saturday.
David Hill was playing for the cross-party Scottish Parliament RFC team against Irish counterparts the Dáil & Seanad XV ahead of the Six Nations match between Ireland and Scotland.
Mr Hill worked as Head of Office for Conservative MSP Jamie Greene.
Revealing the news on Twitter, Mr Greene described Mr Hill as 'a friend, colleague and confidant'.
"It is with great sadness, shock and regret that I share the news of the sudden and tragic passing of my Head of Office, David Hill," wrote Mr Greene.
I post this message with a very heavy heart this evening. A short statement below on our friend and colleague David. Thoughts with everyone involved right now. pic.twitter.com/HAJsKSgEor
— Jamie Greene MSP (@jamiegreeneUK) March 19, 2022
"David was a friend, colleague and confidant of so many in the Scottish parliament over the years. Not least to me personally.
"He loved his politics, but he loved his rugby more.
"The whole parliament, my party and the whole rugby community is deeply saddened by this awful news today, and our condolences lie entirely with his family, friends and colleagues."
'We are broken'
Mr Hill's father Rodger, Schools' Manager at Dumfries and Galloway Council, said the family's hearts had been 'ripped apart'.
"I can't believe I'm writing this," read a statement.
"My amazing son David passed away today playing rugby in Dublin for the Scottish Parliament.
"He was the best and the pain is unbearable.
"We are broken.
I can't believe I'm writing this. My amazing son David passed away today playing rugby in Dublin for the Scottish Parliament. He was the best and the pain is unbearable. We are broken. https://t.co/GBaXWof8ay pic.twitter.com/ZzrkbM6DRx
— Rodger Hill (@rodgerphhill) March 20, 2022
“The family would like to thank Scottish Rugby and the Scottish Parliament for their support at this awful time.
“David was the best and we love him dearly.
"Our hearts have been ripped apart."
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offered her condolences to the family, tweeting: "This is so terribly sad.
"My deepest condolences to David’s family, friends and colleagues - and of course to his @HolyroodRugby teammates who I know are all deeply shocked and heartbroken."
'A man who loved his rugby'
In a statement, Scottish parliament RFC paid tribute to Mr Hill's work in revitalising to the side.
"Holyrood Rugby are in mourning following the tragic passing of David Hill during our Parliamentary game against @DailandSeanadXV,” they said.
"David was an architect of the revitalised Holyrood RFC, a great team-mate and tourist & of course, a man who loved his rugby.
Statement: Holyrood Rugby are in mourning following the tragic passing of David Hill during our Parliamentary game against @DailandSeanadXV.
David was an architect of the revitalised Holyrood RFC, a great team-mate and tourist & of course, a man who loved his rugby. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/FpzkEZuyOL
— Scottish Parliament R.F.C (@HolyroodRugby) March 19, 2022
"Our thoughts are with David's family and friends at this most challenging of times.
"We would like to thank our friends at @DailandSeanadXV for their assistance and support, we truly appreciate it."
The Scottish Conservatives said Mr Hill 'died doing what he loved'.
'True gentleman'
"Everyone in our party and across the Scottish Parliament are mourning the loss of our colleague David Hill," read a statement from the party.
"David tragically died doing what he loved, playing rugby with his friends.
"David was a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
"All our thoughts are with his family."
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross described Mr Hill as 'a kind, generous, well-liked and highly respected part of our team'.
We are shocked and saddened by David's passing today. Described as 'rugby daft' by his family David played for Dumfries Saints and was a regular at Scotland internationals.
The condolences of everyone at Scottish Rugby go out to his family and friends at this time. https://t.co/IFeUUUNx4g— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 19, 2022
My sincere and deepest sympathies on your loss. So unexpected and devastating for your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) March 20, 2022
Very sad news. Our condolences and our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 19, 2022
This morning there will be many still coming to terms with the tragic loss of one of the true good guys. David Hill will be greatly missed by all who loved him as a team mate, colleague, and friend. @HolyroodRugby @DailandSeanadXV pic.twitter.com/ALUbck5MF5
— Finlay Carson MSP (@fincarson) March 20, 2022
Shocked & saddened to hear of David Hill’s passing during a parliamentary rugby match in Dublin yesterday. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues at this difficult time.
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) March 20, 2022
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of David Hill’s passing, and offer our sincere condolences to his family, his colleagues, and to all of our friends @HolyroodRugby
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. @DailandSeanadXV https://t.co/eLiUpVeNMI
— Ireland CG Edinburgh (@irlscotland) March 19, 2022
The deepest condolences of the St. Joseph's College community are extended to the family, friends and colleagues of Past Pupil David Hill who tragically died yesterday playing rugby, the sport he loved.
May you rest in peace, David.
— St Joseph's College (@stjosephsdgc) March 20, 2022
Many thanks to @IrishRugby & @Scotlandteam who will remember our lost friend David Hill this evening before the match in Cork.
Our thoughts & prayers remain with David’s family, friends & all at @HolyroodRugby. https://t.co/LJSkDun6n7
— Neale Richmond (@nealerichmond) March 20, 2022
The worst of days, ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis. https://t.co/2Rvdnf12rg
— Dáil & Seanad XV (@DailandSeanadXV) March 19, 2022
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