CO-FOUNDER of the Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF) Dr Willie Wilson has passed away at the age of 82, his family have confirmed.
Pharmacy owner, retired academic and co-founder of NHSforYES, Wilson passed away on Tuesday after being diagnosed with terminal cancer last year.
Born in Bearsden in 1942, his father was an activist and election agent for the SNP in Camlachie in the 1930s. He went on to Hutchesons’ Grammar School and studied pharmacology, later becoming a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow.
He was also a proud champion wrestler.
Wilson later joined the SNP and led campaigns in East Dunbartonshire as convenor for more than 40 years. He was the inaugural recipient of the party's Lifetime Achievement award in 2019.
Eager to do more for the Yes movement, and frustrated at the lack of action, Wilson co-created SIF and since its inception in 2018, it has provided funding of over £300,000 to countless groups and events throughout Scotland.
Wilson is survived by his two children, John and Rosalyn (Roz), as well as his partner Phyllis Gallacher.
Leading the tributes was First Minister John Swinney, who said: “It is incredibly sad news to hear of the passing of Willie Wilson. I have had the pleasure of knowing and campaigning alongside Willie for many decades.
“He campaigned tirelessly for a better future for Scotland as an independent country - through the Scottish National Party, and cofounding NHS for Yes and the Scottish Independence Foundation.
“His passing is a huge loss to our movement. My thoughts and prayers are with Willie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Chief Executive of SIF Greg McMarra and fellow co-founder Ian Grant said: "We at the Scottish Independence Foundation are extremely sad at the passing of our founder and convener Willie Wilson. He originated the idea of raising funds then distributing them to a multiplicity of individuals, groups and projects with an aim to furthering the campaign for Scottish independence.
"Over 7 years from SIF’s establishment in 2018 we have given over £300,000 to the movement.
"We are determined to continue and hopefully augment our efforts in future until independence is achieved, not least in Willie’s honour"
Founder of Believe in Scotland Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp echoed the First Minister, telling The National: "Willie will be sorely missed. I had known Willie through campaigning for years but we became friends when Willie joined the advisory board of Business for Scotland in 2012.
"His energy, support and generosity was fundamental to the formation and ongoing success of many major parts of the independence movement especially NHS for Yes, Business for Scotland, Believe in Scotland, the Scottish Independence Foundation, as well as the many Yes Groups helped by grants from SIF.
"I know in my heart that Willie knew we are going to win, and when we do, that success will have been, in no small part, built upon the foundations that his hard work and generosity over many years provided for the cause.
"Willie was a successful businessman, highly respected university lecturer, champion Scottish wrestler and a modern hero of the independence movement. Willie was one of the very best and I am honoured to have called him my friend."
Broadcaster and journalist Lesley Riddoch, who was recipient of SIF funding, said: "' I rarely met Willie Wilson face to face, but he was often like my personal Indy coach on the phone. Willie would call up out of the blue to ask what book or film I was planning, what efforts were being made to bring the Yes movement together, basically - 'what next?'.
"Willie would politely thole any claims to be busy before patiently probing again. He was generous and purposeful when good ideas did come forward.
"I think SIF made some contribution to almost every one of the five Nordic films I've made, and helped me take time off work to finish the book, Thrive.
She added: "About ten days ago, Willie phoned to say he didn't expect to survive long and was phoning friends and close associates to say goodbye. He asked me to promise I wouldn't give up on independence. It took quite a while to recover from this short chat.
"But as ever, Willie made his point, quietly but powerfully. And got the reply he wanted to hear.
"In this relay race of a Yes campaign, we must all carry the hopes and emotions of our companions till one of us crosses the finishing line. Promise."
Former SNP MP John Nicolson, who Wilson acted as election agent for at the 2015 General Election, said: "I’m desperately sad to hear of the death of Willie Wilson. Willie was a giant of our independence movement. A tireless campaigner, wise counsel, and loyal friend.
"He crammed more into one life than many people could manage in three. I’ll miss him."
Newly elected leader fo Alba Kenny MacAskill also paid tribute, calling Wilson "a stalwart of the independence cause," adding: "Willie gave so much in time, effort, and financial support - seeking nothing in return for himself, just the independence of his country.
"He had a special chemistry attracting people to him and who liked and respected him. Doubtless the same chemistry that saw him build up successful pharmacy business. He'll be sadly missed by the movement not just his family and those closest to him."
Head of communications for SNP Fraser MacDonald wrote on social media: "Very sorry to hear of the passing of NHSforYes founder Dr Willie Wilson. He was a formidable campaigner for Scottish independence and a stalwart of Kirkintilloch SNP.
"He will be sorely missed."
Former SNP MP Hannah Kennedy-Bardell also said: "Incredibly sad news for his family, friends and the Independence movement. Willie did and gave so much, a huge loss."
The National will publish a full obituary on Friday.
