TRIBUTES have been paid to the “hugely significant” Scottish independence campaigner Iain Lawson who has died.
The former SNP man fought for Scotland’s independence cause for half a century and showed unswerving loyalty to the country’s steel industry.
Lawson has been described as a “warrior for independence” and “was a giant of the National movement” during the 80s and 90s as his successful business career helped the SNP form a sound financial footing as a party.
Tributes have poured in online for Lawson as the news of his death came late on Friday evening.
Alba leader and former SNP man Alex Salmond paid his respects to the former campaigner saying he was a “force of nature” when it came to championing Scotland.
He said: “Very sad to note the passing of Iain Lawson, a hugely significant campaigner in Scotland’s cause for half a century.
“Iain wasn’t always a Scottish nationalist but was forever a patriot whose unswerving loyalty to Scotland and its steel industry led him to put country before Party in the 1980s, as I welcomed him into the then SNP family.”
He added: “Iain always loved the art and intrigue of politics and to the end was tirelessly putting forward new initiatives through his blog and other activities, but always to further Scottish interests and his pole star of independence.
“From street fighter to online campaigner, Iain was a force of nature. Friend and foe should mark his passing and I shall miss him very much.”
Very sad to note the passing of Iain Lawson, a hugely significant campaigner in Scotland’s cause for half a century. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/o6N6sHxPxZ
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) August 9, 2024
Former SNP MP and humanitarian campaigner Roger Mullin also paid his respects to his “lifelong” friend after campaigning together in 1990 during the double by-election for Paisley North and Paisley South.
He said: “I was lucky enough to be the SNP candidate for North campaigning alongside Iain Lawson in South. We had known one another for some time.
“But it was our joint campaigning that forged our lifelong friendship. He was a great campaigner with a rare devotion to the cause of Scotland. I can’t express how sad I am at his passing.”
Lawson’s campaigning was also recognised as a key influence in the Govan by-election victory of Jim Sillars in 1988.
He also played a leading role in campaigning to save the Scottish steelworks and was a fierce ally for the workers of the industry.
The committed Yes voter’s blog was also regarded as a useful resource as he was particularly knowledgeable on the Scottish economy due to his background in business.
Journalist and historian Craig Murray also paid his respects to Lawson online as he said: “Much saddened by the death of Iain Lawson, a lovely man and redoubtable campaigner for Scotland's freedom.
“Iain was a great resource of knowledge, particularly on the Scottish economy.
“You didn't quite make it to see Independence, Iain, but Scotland will get there.”
