Billy Wolfe
22nd February 1924
–
18th March 2010
Tributes have been paid to former SNP leader Billy Wolfe, who has died at the age of 86.
A gentle and quiet chartered accountant, he was also a politician with a passion for Scottish history and culture which convinced him that, because Scotland was a nation, it should behave like one and have its own independent government.
Under his leadership, the party achieved its greatest Westminster electoral success in 1974.
Hundreds of mourners, including First Minister Alex Salmond, attended his funeral, which was held at Holytown Crematorium.
Mr Wolfe died in hospital in Hamilton on 18 March 2010, aged 86, after a period of illness.
Born on 22 February 1924, he joined the SNP in 1959 and rose through the ranks to become its leader a decade later.
He joined the SNP convinced that: “There is a nation of Scots, therefore to survive, that nation must behave like other nations and accept responsibilities of nationhood.”
Billy 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.
Even before oil was discovered, Wolfe – who fronted the SNP’s first television broadcast in 1965 – was asserting that Scottish taxpayers were subsidising the English. But the bonanza enabled the SNP to campaign in 1974 on the simple and tempting slogan: “It’s Scotland’s Oil”. Wolfe declared that with oil “we can now afford self-government in Scotland”, and the SNP wrought havoc at that year’s two elections.
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.
During his 10 years at the helm, the party achieved its greatest electoral success at Westminster, winning more than 30% of the vote in Scotland. The general election in October 1974 saw a record 11 SNP MPs returned to the House of Commons.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Education Secretary Mike Russell, Finance Secretary John Swinney and former Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer George Reid were among the other nationalist politicians who attended the funeral service.
First Minister Alex Salmond led the tributes to Mr Wolfe when news of his death at Udston Hospital, Hamilton, emerged. He was present at the funeral service to pay tribute in person to the former SNP leader.
Mr Salmond read extracts from Mr Wolfe’s book Scotland Lives, which he said he had signed by the former SNP leader in 1980.
He said: “It was in its third or fourth print by then. Scotland Lives was not the best thing that Billy wrote, I think his poetry was probably the best thing that Billy wrote.“
“For me it encapsulates so much of Billy’s thoughts,“ he added.
He continued: “Billy provided that leadership, that direction, that professionalism that turned that movement of these ambitious, skilled, patriotic people into this political force and fighting machine.“
Mr Salmond said Mr Wolfe had been described as a “conviction human being” and the “most important person in the national movement”.
“And it was that part of Billy which was influential beyond measure in West Lothian in 1962 and today in Scotland in 2010,“ he added.
One of Mr Wolfe’s poems - Freedom - was also printed on a booklet handed to mourners.
It read: “In love and faith we strive to reach the golden stars.
“With glowing hope renewed, with strength and skill endowed, we seek the greatest star in mankind’s firmament.
“That star is Freedom, which can pierce the darkest cloud.“
Mr Wolfe’s neighbour Michael Toner also spoke during the service.
Mr Toner said he had sent off his application to join the SNP backdated to March 18, when Mr Wolfe had passed away.
“He was my neighbour, he was my friend,“ he added.
Mr Wolfe’s coffin was draped in the Saltire. More than 350 people gathered for the service, including former MPs Gordon Wilson, Andrew Welsh and George Thompson, three of the group of SNP MPs elected in 1974.
Mr Wolfe’s son Patrick said his father was a very early “hunt saboteur” and he helped him sell thousands of trees from a trailer ahead of an anti-nuclear peace march in 1973 for 15 pence each.
He said: “In thinking about Billy, the following core values come to my mind: honour, truth, trust, respect in nature, equality, identity, justice, freedom, commitment, fairness, respecting and encouraging cultural identity, internationalism, peace and human rights.
“Billy loved the outdoors and was passionate about scouting and spent a great deal of his youth with the Scouts.
“He was county commissioner in the West Lothian Scouts.“
Mourners laughed as Patrick said his father’s protests at naval base Faslane had led to trips to the police station.
He said: “After the war, Billy was a firm believer in peace and an active member of Scottish CND for many years.
“He was always happy participating in the Faslane protests and was often taken to the police station as a result of these peaceful acts.“
“He was a remarkable man. A man of honour, a man of peace. A man who valued equality and human compassion,“ Patrick said.
“A man who loved Scotland and, above all, a loving father.“
Billy was educated at Bathgate Academy and George Watson College, Edinburgh and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. An accountant, businessman, Scout commissioner and church elder from a strong Liberal family with a good war record, Billy served in the Scottish Horse Regiment. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1942 , seeing active service in Normandy, the Low Countries and Germany before piloting air observation posts in Indonesia and Malaya. Demobilised in 1947, he qualified as a chartered accountant and became joint managing director of a Bathgate shovel-making firm.
In the early 1960s he was active in CND, campaigning against the arrival of a US Polaris fleet of nuclear weapons on the Clyde, and became Scottish CND’s treasurer for four years from 1982. His early CND activity coincided with a period in Scottish politics when nationalism found itself able to co-exist with much of the Scottish left on issues such as nuclear disarmament. Wolfe recognised the advantages in persuading the SNP to be anti-nuclear, which it remains today, and to position itself to the left of centre, where his party and his successors as leaders have found themselves at ease.
On his watch the SNP attracted its first big name recruit – the businessman Sir Hugh Fraser – and its first large legacy, an unexpected £200,000 from a farmer in Argyll.
Billy stood down as Party leader in 1979 before a year later taking in the role of President. From 1991 to 2008 he served variously as a member of the SNP National Executive Committee and an elected member of National Council.
Wolfe was at various times president of Heriot-Watt University students’ association, treasurer of Scottish CND, secretary of the Scottish Poetry Library, treasurer of the Saltire Society and a member of the Forestry Commission’s Scottish national committee.
He is survived by his wife Kate, and by four children from a previous marriage David, Sheila, Ilene and Patrick.
I’ve had the honour of knowing Billy troughout my whole life. He definitely put up a great fight. He stood for what he loved and nobody could take that away from him. We’re going to keep that fight going for you Billy. Will miss you. Have a good one.
from William Bain, on
22nd March 2010
I worked with Billy when he was the first Honorary Secretary of the Scottish Poetry Library and I was its first Librarian. Tessa Ransford and I could simply not have kept the Library going in its early difficult - and heady - years without Billy’s unique combination of practicality and vision. He was a man of wide international as well as Scottish culture; on my return from a Ricky Demarco ‘expedition’ to Poland he told me how much he loved the music of Chopin. That says much. Indeed there was so much about Billy that a future Scotland can’t afford not to inherit. 2010 has already seen the loss of three Scots whose contribution to our cultural life has been immeasurable - Harvey Holton, John Law and now Billy. I’ll remember them all with great affection.
from Tom Hubbard, on
23rd March 2010
Although a member since 1966, it wasn’t until ten years later - when I returned to Scotland from Australia - that I first met Billy Wolfe. The occasion was a meeting of the SNP Association (the overseas wing) at 6 North Charlotte Street, Edinburgh. Billy managed to combine a keen political brain with a warm selfless humanity, and everyone who knew him regarded him as a personal friend.
from Stuart West, on
22nd March 2010
Billy was an inspiration to my generation of Nationalists. He was leading the Party when I joined and I was lucky enough to get to work with him in a variety of campaigns, in my own foot soldier role. Billy eptimosed the “Family of the SNP”, he seemed to know everyone and remember them.
Scotland is a better place for his being and a poorer one for his passing.
from Stephen Bird, on
23rd March 2010
I have known Billy for a very long time, from my very early days in the Scouts here in West Lothian where Billy was commissioner, campaigning for him in elections alongside Angus McGlliivary long before I was old enough to vote. He was one of the great Scots and one of nature’s true gentlemen.
from Ronald R Hannah, on
19th March 2010
An honest man here lies at rest, As God with his image blest:
The friend of man, the friend of truth. The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his- with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d;
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss:
If there is none, he made the best of this.Many thanks for being so helpful and tolerant.
from Robert MacDonald, on
11th April 2010
Billy was a good friend and will be sadly missed. He worked very hard for the Party and laid the foundation for the success we have today. It’s a pity he didn’t see Independence but he did see an SNP Scottish Government and he enjoyed celebrating with us when we won the Livigston seat on the foundation of what he built in West Lothian.
from Robert Boyd, on
19th March 2010
I met Billy at one of my first SNP events. It was on a cold, wet Saturday and we were two of only about 20 folk outside Faslane Nuclear Base at the Trident 365 demo.
He was an absolutely lovely guy and fantastic at welcoming me to the party. He’ll be missed at conference this weekend.
from Paul Togneri, on
19th March 2010
Billy Wolfe was my inspiration from the times of canvassing for him in West Lothian and in the involvement in Westfield and Torphichen branch of the SNP. Only after the workload of all his political activities eased was he able to turn his attention to Eilean Mor MacCormick. The Island was part of an estate the SNP inherited in 1979, and Billy as chairman had the foresight to see that it is a national treasure and finally in 2000 became a registered charity trust with Billy as its elected guardian. The object is to hold the Island in perpetuity for the recreational,educational, and cultural enjoyment of the people at large. His first dream was fulfilled when a replica black house was built by volunteers and last year opened as a visitors centre. We really got to know Billy when the volunteer bothy builders sat round the camp fire and Billy would narrate stories from his early days in the SNP and even his wartime experiences in the Far East, or how the SNP logo was created,or how the SNP colours of black and gold came into being. This would be accompanied by a dram and the highlight of the evening would be when Billy brought out his “moothie” and played, with his favourite being Stirling Brig. Those who had the privilege of being on the Island when Billy was there heard the enlightened views from the compassionate man who was the teacher, leader, and inspiration for the volunteers. Typical of some of the discussions that took place was one time when I said “ Just as in the 7th century when Celts sought out idyllic surroundings such as small islands as places of peace and renewal, where they could confront themselves and their relationships, the same is true on Eilean Mor MacCormick today” Billy added a quote from the Dalai Lama “Much more effective and important than legislation is our regard for on another’s feelings at a simple human level. On every visit to the Island Billy would go to the Chapel alone for his private devotions. Billly was convinced that the Island had more important historical sites than what had been recorded. His second wish for the Island was to turn the speculation about these sites into knowledge. The archaeologist report was prepared and I had it in my brief case driving to the hospital to give it to him when I heard he had passed away. His vision had been correct and 55 new sites were recorded on his beloved Island. I am numbed, shocked and gutted that what he wanted to know and believed in became a reality on the day he died. On behalf of the friends of Eilean Mor MacCormick we vow to keep his vision alive and the inspiration and encouragement he has given us will be in our memory for ever.
from Nicoll Cameron, on
22nd March 2010
Although I’d been in Billy’s company often at SNP events (he was the first person to teach me the “Tullochgorum” grip in ceilidh birling!) I only got to know him in the 1990s when we were working together to build the visitors’ centre on the SNP owned island of Eilean Mor McCormick. Because he was an elderly man and I was a woman we were together allocated less physically challenging work (measuring and marking out the turf for the roof using Billy’s 19th century hoe). He told me the history of the McCormick islands and how they “were always magical islands”. I saw then another dimension to Billy, more poetical and metaphysical than the political persona. Of course it was his public persona which helped wreak the political and psychological change in Scotland which has left us forever in his debt.
from Mary McCabe, on
19th March 2010
I met Billy when Scotland Against Nuclear Dumping was formed in the late 1980’s to counter the threat of NIREX selecting a site in Scotland to deep dispose of nuclear waste. I was politically inexperienced and naive; Billy was a wise counsellor and became a good friend. His love of Scotland and his humanity rose above party politics. He was a rounded individual whose knowledge and interests far exceeded the norm: a poet and a mystic with both feet firmly on the ground. His family were the centre of his life and it was a huge joy to see how happy he was after his marriage to Kate. How many people remember that Grand Old Duke of York at Conference in Perth just after their wedding? My life was much enriched by knowing him and we, and all of Scotland, are all much the poorer for his passing.
from Linsay Stevenson, on
20th March 2010
I first heard Billy speak in Glasgow in the early 1970’s. The genuine warmth that filled the hall immediately impressed me. When he rose to speak - it was warmth that could almost be touched. And when he spoke I knew why. I was young and very naïve about life and politics but even I could tell that I was in the presence a man of sincerity, honesty and an intellect to be admired. Scotland is in his debt for his commitment to our cause.
from John Anderson, on
21st March 2010
My wife Jacqueline and I got to know Billy after he married my mother, Kate McAteer.
There were many aspects of Billy’s character that impressed me but above all I admired his energy, humanity, modesty and obvious love of Scotland and her people. I have never met a man who used his time so well; he was never to be found vegetating in front of the TV or idling away the hours in pointless pursuits. Billy did not dwell on past achievements; preferring to live in the moment, quietly getting on with things and looking forward to his next challenge.
Was there ever a man so thoughtful? For example I was working overseas when the SNP took control of the Parliament. On return from my trip a package was waiting for me, posted by Billy and containing copies of the all the major newspapers published on election day.
Right to the end Billy was a man on a mission (or several!); he regularly put us all to shame with his drive and focus. Even when he became ill he continued to exhibit a never give in attitude and always made an effort to be positive and cheerful.
We feel extremely privileged to have gotten to know Billy and he will be sorely missed by us both.
James and Jacqueline McAteer
from James McAteer, on
5th April 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Billy over the past few years in his capacity as an NEC member and elected member of National Council. Even in his advanced years any request for help was rarely refused, and if it was, it was usually because he was out of the country, or already committed to other Nationalist work. His soft-spoken thoughtfulness epitomised the man, and he continued to make a valuable and active contribution to the Party until his health no longer allowed him to do so.
He’ll be greatly missed by the SNP. His Party and his country owe him a massive debt.
from Ian McCann, on
19th March 2010
A true patriot.
from Ian Chisholm, on
21st March 2010
Very sad to hear of his death! Although Billy never got my vote. I remember how he came to my door on a cold wet night canvassing for support for the SNP during the East Lothian By election 30 odd years ago now! He did leave an impression on me as not just a decent man but a decent human being! A great loss to Scotland!
from Iainmore, on
19th March 2010
I have been privileged to meet many fine people in my life and one of these was Billy Wolfe.
When I established my publishing business in 1969 he became one of my mail order customers and before long we were introduced at Bannockburn.
We seemed to meet quite regularly after that, usually at nationalist or cultural events and Billy always showed interest in the development of my book list.
I soon realised that Billy was much more than your average politician with his involvement in the Scouts, The Saltire Society and CND. He was so generous with his time to good causes.
It was probably around 1971 when I suggested he should write an autobiography for me to publish and he agreed to think about it. Before long he delivered a first chapter and I encouraged him to carry on and finish Scotland Lives: The Quest for Independence, which was published in 1973 and chronicles an important part of the SNP story.
Billy had a great sense of humour and we shared many a joke together. When he asked me to provide a selection of photographs for his 1974 campaign in West Lothian I followed him around the constituency where so many people wanted to shake his hand. I thought the seat was his.
We last met after Neil MacCormick’s funeral and chatted for five minutes as he waited for a taxi to arrive. Then we said our goodbyes and shook hands for the last time.
Farewell old friend, you’re a sair miss.
from Gordon Wright, on
26th March 2010
I met Billy back in the early 70’s when I was but a lad. He was a gentleman, patriot, poet and a Christian. In my opinion Billy was the greatest MP that West Lothian never had and my sorrow is that he will not be about physically to see the Independent Scotland he campaigned for so long. He encouraged me to delve into and support Scotland’s culture - through music and poetry. I have a found memory of Billy on the platform at a Bannockburn Rally when he asked the crowd to remain silent in memory of the fallen back in 1314… then he asked for patience from any non-believers whilst he led the rest in the Lord’s Prayer… well Billy, there’s a prayer going up for you today. Alba gu brath!
from George Ferguson, on
23rd March 2010
To our friend, you will never be forgotten. Love Ewan, Nic and Mia
from ewan cameron, on
19th March 2010
Billy was a true hero of the movement. I remember driving up to Glenrothes for the by-election in 2008, despite being in his 80s he was still champing at the bit to get out campaigning.
He was no less committed to the cause of nuclear disarmament, I remember Billy forming a one man blockade during the year long “Big Blockade” at Faslane. Of course he got arrested, he knew he would, we hung around until the police released him - but we all knew fine well he would be back to blockade again.
I was proud to have Billy as an activist in Lanark & Hamilton East, he will be sorely missed by everyone in the party and is a huge loss to the cause. I only wish that he had seen the independent Scotland he fought so hard for.
from Euan Fergusson, on
19th March 2010
“You are entering Wolfe Country” has just taken on a new meaning.
Thanks Billy!
from Ernie Conner, on
28th April 2010
I remember selling Rutter Handles to Billy’s company Cheiftain Forge, a Company which made Forestry Tools and Equipment near Bathgate.
Even in these early days Billy was shaping our Forests and Nation.
He was one of the “Floors of the Forest”.
from Bradley Borland, on
12th April 2010
Billy’s book “Scotland Lives” was not the least of his achievements. Teaching politics in Ruskin College Oxford, I used to recommend it to my students as a unique and clear sighted account of how a democratic political party can be built. And, of course, he was a loveable man who will be sorely missed.
My twin brother, the poet David C. Purdie, has asked me to record his appreciation of Billy’s work as Thesaurer of the Scots Leid Associe, at a time when it had lost most of its committee, and he remembers him with great affection.
Bob Purdie
from Bob Purdie, on
23rd March 2010
I would just like to say how sad I was on hearing of Billy’s death. Billy was a great activist and campaigner for his party and I knew him well with his work for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. He was a regular activist at Faslane protesting against Trident and the horrors of nuclear weapons. We will all sadly miss him in Scottish CND. Billy & Louise Moncrieff, Hamilton
from Billy Moncrieff, on
20th March 2010
Billy will be very missed by the Scottish National Party and supporters. He was a good, kind man who was at the heart of the independence movement most of his life. He has served the SNP well and has always beel loyal to the party and what it stands for. RIP Billy Wolfe.
Austin Sheridan MYP, MSYP
from Austin Sheridan, on
22nd March 2010
I met Willie during the setting up of the new Radio Free Scotland. He was a True Gentleman and an inspiration to all Scots. He will be sorely missed by all.
from Arkadian, on
20th March 2010
Billy befriended me from my earliest days in the party in the early 80’s. He was a passionate advocate of a youth wing for the SNP at a time when this concept did not always meet with universal approval. He was a passionate peace campaigner, and understood that Scots culture was a crucial part of how we Scots view ourselves. He was one of my supporting speakers when I first stood for Westminster, in Glasgow Pollok, in 1987.
During our last conversation together at Conference in 2008, he confided that he always wanted as a young man to enter the Ministry. Billy maybe regretted he never did that, but he nonetheless had a lifelong interest in metaphysics and spirituality, and should be remembered as the great evangelist of the modern SNP.
from Andrew Doig, on
25th March 2010
In 1962 I was living in England and boring my English friends about Scotland when Blly Wolfe’s bye-election campaign in West Lothian erupted like a meteor into my consciousness.
As a direct result I returned to Scotland in 1965 and in subsequent years became Vice-Convener for Policy and then when Billy became Leader in 1969 became Depute-Leader.
Working with Billy was inspirational.
At a time when the idea of Corporate identity was almost unknown he gave us our modern symbol, the colours of the black and the gold backed by the saltire. He gave us an explosion in policy development which we have never been able to match since, and produced ideas in Land Use, Forestry, Agriculture, Transport, Social Welfare and Housing which are still relevant today and are pushing te boundaries of Scottish Government decision making today. The small hand-book “SNP and You” was an indispenible aid to every canvasser and decades ahead of every other political document produced in the 50s or the 70s.
High McDiarmid said of Burns the following words which apply very well to Billy. “The world has need and Scotland mair sae o’ the likes of you today”.
from George Leslie, on
23rd March 2010