IT seems to me the sheer magnitude of Alex Salmond’s contribution to the cause of Scottish independence is generally unrecognised even within nationalist circles.

The 2014 independence referendum, which was Salmond’s personal achievement, redefined Scotland’s status within the Union. From 1707 until then, our nation had been regarded as little more than a county of England. Yes, we were “granted” a parliament, but “power devolved is power retained”.

In 2014, Scots decided to remain within the Union, but an irreversible precedent was set as a result of which we can change that decision at any time in the future.

By achieving the independence referendum, Alex Salmond, in a very real sense, liberated Scotland. I believe that future generations of Scots will come to regard him in the same class as Bruce and Wallace.
Billy Scobie
Alexandria