The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gordon Wilson: Former SNP leader dies.
First Minister hails ‘fine and kind man’ who was ‘a passionate advocate for Scotland’
Nicola Sturgeon led the political tributes to former SNP leader and Dundee East MP, Gordon Wilson, who died in Dundee yesterday at the age of 79.
He was MP for Dundee East from 1974 to 1987 and led the SNP between 1979 and 1990.
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.
“Gordon was a passionate advocate for Scotland at every level.
“He was at the centre of many lively and passionate debates through the 1970s and 1980s over how independence would be achieved and continued to play a part in the independence debate right though the referendum in 2014.
“Gordon was always forthright in his views and his commitment to seeing Scotland become an independent country was second to none.
“Even on those occasions when his views on tactics differed from mine, I always highly valued and appreciated his advice.”
Alex Salmond, who succeeded Mr Wilson as leader in 1990, added: “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.”
Deputy First Minister and family friend John Swinney said: “Gordon Wilson was a giant of the Scottish National Party.
“He was critical to the transformation of the SNP from the fringe to the mainstream of Scottish politics.”
John McAllion, who defeated Mr Wilson in the 1987 general election, said: “He served the people of Dundee to his best and was well-liked across the city and respected by people in other parties. Everybody liked him and respected him and he will be remembered as a fearless fighter for independence.”
Current Dundee East SNP MP Stewart Hosie added: “People forget Gordon was leader of the SNP during its poll tax campaign – a campaign that in many ways made the SNP the modern political party it is today”.