Gordon Wilson, Former SNP Leader, Dies

GORDON WILSON, FORMER SNP LEADER, DIES

Former SNP leader Gordon Wilson has died aged 79 after a short illness, the party has confirmed.

He led the SNP from 1979 to 1990. Elected as the MP for Dundee East in 1974, he held this seat for the next 13 years. He was succeeded as leader by Alex Salmond.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led tributes to him, saying he made an "immense" contribution to the success of the SNP. She added that his loss would be "keenly felt".

In a statement, Ms Sturgeon said: "Gordon Wilson's contribution to the success of the modern SNP was immense and his loss will be keenly felt across our party. He was a fine and kind man, a loving husband, father and grandfather and a true patriot."

She continued: "Gordon was always forthright in his views and his commitment to seeing Scotland become an independent country was second to none. Even - perhaps especially - on those occasions when his views on tactics differed from mine, I always highly valued and appreciated his advice.

"My thoughts are with Edith and all of his family at this time. Gordon will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with him in the SNP and across the country."

Mr Wilson is survived by his wife Edith, his daughters Margaret and Kate, and five grandchildren.

Mr Salmond said: "Not only was Gordon one of the masterminds of the SNP parliamentary breakthrough of the 1970s but he led the party through tough times in the 1980s. Holding his Dundee seat in 1979 and 1983 was crucial in retaining the credibility which allowed the SNP to prosper in the 1990s and beyond.

"The party, the national movement and Scotland owe him a great debt and my condolences go to Edith and the family."