THE SNP have received millions in will bequests, with many members taking their independence support "one step further".
In a recent edition of the SNP Independence Magazine, party president Maureen Watt looked back at bequests which made a significant difference to the party and how the practice is a "crucial source of income".
Almost half of the estimated £4.8 million of donations since 2000 have been received since the 2014 referendum, while just under a third of donations have come since 2019.
It comes after the SNP saw an increase in funding with three donations of more than £200,000 during the third quarter of 2024, according to new figures published by the Electoral Commission.
Three individuals donated more than £200,000 to the SNP, with the total of donations coming to £682,220.07.
South-African born Estelle Brownrigg, who left a lump sum to the party after passing away in March 2018 at the age of 73, is recorded as donating £203,921.21 on August 10.
Brownrigg, who stayed in a care home in Quarrier's Village, Renfrewshire, also gifted £120,000 in 2019.
An Alexander Adams donated £250,000 on August 19, and a third individual, Thomas McCann, is listed as having donated £228,298.86 on August 19.
Watt recalled the earliest bequest she could remember in her piece, writing: "The first major legacy to the party that I recall came from Walter Paterson Neill, who left us his farm.
"The proceeds from its sale enabled the purchase of 6 North Charlotte Street, Edinburgh as Party HQ."
Neill also donated Eilean Mor MacCormick, an island near the Sound of Jura at the foot of Loch Sween, now managed by the Eilean Mor MacCormick Trust.
Scotland's first Makar, Edwin Morgan (above), also left a substantial sum to the party. The poet left £1.1m to the part upon his death in 2010.
Watt said: "Like every legacy, it was a powerful statement of support for the values and future he believed in for Scotland and her people: a way in which he could make his voice heard beyond his lifetime and support the enduring quest for an independent Scotland."
Other bequests include from Dr Norman Allan, who gave the party £250,000 following his death in 2019 at the age of 96.
He was one of the first SNP candidates to win a seat for his party in the north-east, representing Banff and Portsoy on Grampian Regional Council for 10 years.
Other donations included from William Ritchie, who bequeathed £91,996, and two from Edward Montgomery totalling more than £45,000.
Morven Polson, from Edinburgh, left the party £370,000 in 2021.
A 'Will for Independence'
WATT later explained in the article "how to make a 'will for independence'", writing: "Rightly, the interests of those closest to you will naturally come first when you are making your will.
"Once you have provided for them you may wish to express your support for the SNP by means of legacy. Large or small, your gift will represent an investment in the future of Scotland."
The president explained the difference between a pecuniary gift and a residuary gift.
"A pecuniary gift is when you leave a specific sum of money to the party. This is simple, but remember inflation erodes this type of gift, so you should review it regularly," Watt wrote.
"A residuary gift allows you to leave either part or all of the balance (or 'residue") of your estate to the SNP after your family and friends have been provided for."
Watt later pointed out that gifts to the SNP, like other major political parties, will be exempt from Inheritance Tax, in the same way bequests to charities are.
She also requested any member make the party aware of their intentions. She said: "If you decide to make a legacy to the SNP, or have already remembered the party in your will, we would be very grateful if you would let us know.
"You are, of course, under no obligation to provide this information but it would be helpful to the party if you could. It would also give us the opportunity to acknowledge your generous support and discuss your legacy with you if necessary."
