NICOLA Sturgeon has paid tribute to an independence campaigner who died suddenly and was a "force for good".

Leeze Lawrence, 39, was a key member of the LGBT group Out for Independence, acting as the group’s convener and actively campaigned for the equal rights of minorities, particularly the transgender community.

She also worked as a journalist, creating a number of works documenting the lives of transgender and gay people.

Tragically, she was found by police on Friday after friends and family were unable to contact her.

Sturgeon paid tribute to Lawrence after hearing the news.

She said: "So terribly sorry to hear this dreadful news. @Ms_Leeze was indeed a force of nature - and a force for good. My deepest condolences to her family and to all her many friends in @OutForIndy @theSNP and beyond."

In a statement this morning, Out for Independence said they were heartbroken of the news of their convener's death.

The statement read: “Out For Independence is heartbroken to announce the passing of our Convener, Leeze Lawrence. It has been a huge shock. We ask for people to respect her family's privacy at this time.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to independence campaigner Leeze Lawrence after sudden death

“Leeze was a force of nature — loud, fierce, supportive and committed. Her life has been the kind of whirlwind she was, and she brought her vast network of contacts and experiences to Out For Independence to help us make new connections, build better policies and build shared solidarity between groups.

“She was dedicated to learning, becoming a better ally, and a better activist. In the last few months of her life, she was learning from GRT communities and we were planning with them the best way we could support LGBTQ+ Travellers. We hope to be able to continue that work in her memory.

“We will miss the way she went from no-nonsense organising with an iron will to being incredibly compassionate and looking after people who were struggling with abuse and harassment. There's no one way to describe her, except to say it has been a privilege to know her, and we miss her.”