Former SNP leader Gordon Wilson dies aged 79

The former leader of the Scottish National Party, Gordon Wilson, has died, aged 79, after a short illness.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, led tributes to him, describing him as a "passionate advocate for Scotland at every level" whose loss would be "keenly felt". Alex Salmond, the former first minister, said Scotland owed Mr Wilson a great debt.

He worked as a solicitor before being elected as the MP for Dundee East in 1974, a seat he held for the next 13 years, and led the SNP from 1979 to 1990, before being succeeded by Mr Salmond.

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.

"From his early days promoting the case for independence on Radio Free Scotland to his 13 years of service as MP for Dundee East and 11 years as leader of the party, 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 80s, over how independence would be achieved and continued to play a part in the independence debate right though to the referendum in 2014."

She added: "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 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."

John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister and a family friend, said Mr Wilson was a giant of the SNP who was critical to its transformation from the fringe to the mainstream of Scottish politics, adding: The strength of the SNP today is built on the courage and tenacity of fine people like Gordon Wilson."

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