BILLY WOLFE, SNP'S FORMER LEADER DIES AGED 86

BILLY WOLFE, SNP'S FORMER LEADER DIES AGED 86

The Scottish National Party confirmed this lunchtime (Friday) that the Party's former leader Billy Wolfe had died, aged 86.

Leading the condolences, First Minister of Scotland and Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond said:

"I am deeply saddened at Billy's passing, and my thoughts are with Kate
and his children David, Sheila, Ilene and Patrick.

"Billy Wolfe blazed the trail in the professionalisation and
organisation of the SNP - and he more than anyone transformed it into a
modern political party. Indeed, the West Lothian by-election in 1962
was the moment when the SNP broke through as a central and driving force
in the Scottish political process - and the party went on to achieve
outstanding success in the mid-1970s under his leadership.

"Billy was also incredibly influential in developing a social democratic
ethos for the SNP in terms of its political identity - something which
there were doubts about when he was leader, but which came to fruition
in later years, and was vital in the success we enjoy today.

"Billy was committed to public life and the causes he believed in -
working with others, for example, in the campaign for nuclear
disarmament - and he will be greatly missed both within and outwith the
ranks of the Scottish National Party."



William Cuthbertson “Billy” Wolfe was born on 22 February 1924.

Educated at George Watson College, Edinburgh and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, Billy Wolfe served in the Scottish Horse Regiment in World War II and was actively involved in organisations that promoted Scottish culture and diversity.

Billy Wolfe joined the SNP in 1959, convinced that: “There is a nation of Scots, therefore to survive, that nation must behave like other nations and accept responsibilities of nationhood.”

Billy Wolfe was SNP candidate at the 1962 West Lothian by-election in which he caused a stir with a surprise second place. Gaining a 23.3% swing, he caused a surge of support and the beginning of an upward electoral trend for the Party. The campaign was fought under the slogan ‘Put Scotland First’ which went on to become an extremely popular campaign slogan used throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Wolfe went on to fight West Lothian at a further six General Elections, peaking at 40.9% of the vote in October 1974.

He was Senior Vice Chairman (Depute Leader) of the SNP between 1966 and 1969, before replacing Arthur Donaldson as SNP National Convener (Leader) that year.

Under the leadership of Billy Wolfe, the SNP achieved its greatest electoral success in the Westminster Parliament, winning 11 seats in the general election. He stood down as Party leader in 1979 before a year later taking on the role of Party President. From 1991 to 2008 he served variously as a member of the SNP National Executive Committee and an elected member of National Council.

Billy Wolfe passed away last night in Udston Hospital in Hamilton after a period of illness.

He is survived by his wife Kate, and by four children from a previous marriage.