First Minister Alex Salmond has led tributes to former SNP chairman James Halliday, who died yesterday aged 85.
Mr Halliday, who taught at Dundee College for 20 years, led the party from 1956 to 1960 and was chairman of the Scots Independent publication.
Mr Salmond said his thoughts were with Mr Halliday’s family and the former leader’s “wit and wisdom” would be missed.
He said: “Jimmy Halliday became leader of the SNP whilst still in his 20s in 1956 and guided the party through four crucial years, preparing for the expansion of the 1960s.
“When he became chairman in 1956 the SNP had only two candidates in the 1955 election of which he was one. A few years later the party was contesting every seat in Scotland and winning by-elections.”
Mr Halliday was born in Wemyss Bay in 1927 and was educated at Greenock High School and Glasgow University. He stood as a candidate for the SNP in Stirling and Falkirk in 1955 and 1959 and West Fife in 1970.
He taught in schools including Dunfermline High before becoming a lecturer in history at Dundee College of Education in 1967. In 1979 he became principal lecturer in history, a post he occupied until 1987. He was also a published author.
Dundee politicians extended their condolences to Mr Halliday’s wife Olive and his sons Gavin and David.
Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison said she was “sad” to hear of Mr Halliday’s death, describing him as an inspiration.
She added: “His humanitarian outlook and his wide range of interests made him a pleasant companion and an able speaker. We will all miss him at our gatherings but reflect on what he has given our party and his decades of service to the cause of independence.”
Stewart Hosie Dundee East MP said: “Locally, his ‘Address to the Haggis’ recited entirely from memory, was a feature at our annual Dundee SNP Burns’ Suppers. Jimmy’s legacy to the party in terms of his vision and his commitment is incalculable.”
Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick added: “Jimmy was a marvellous man of good humour and common sense. He was always interesting to talk to and had keen insight.”