Former lawyer and Scottish nationalist Ian Hamilton who rose to fame for his daring raid to retrieve the stone of destiny has died aged 97.
The famed Scot, from Paisley, was one of four students who removed the ancient Scots stone from under the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey in December 1950, just days before Christmas.
Though the group handed over the stone to the Church of Scotland in April 1951 - the move was hailed as a triumph of Scottish nationalism.
Ian was the last surviving member of the group which included Gavin Vernon, Alan Stuart and Kay Matheson.
The stone of destiny would later be returned to Scotland in 1996.
Ian would go on to complete his studies at Glasgow University before later becoming a KC.
He remained politically active throughout his life, joining Labour before running for the SNP in the 1994 and 1999 elections.
Former SNP MSP Alex Neil lead tributes, writing: "Very sorry to hear that Ian Hamilton has passed away. Ian’s daring recovery of the Stone of Destiny along with Kay Matheson and others will be remembered for a thousand years. He was a man of distinction, a great thinker and a true patriot.
Alba General Secretary Christopher McEleny added: "This is very sad. An inspirational life. Achieved so much at an early age then had a life time as a brilliant legal mind. A true son of Scotland, may he rest in peace."
SNP's Ross Colquhoun said: "Ian Hamilton was a legend and one of the nicest, thoughtful and wise campaigners for independence. He made an immense contribution to public life in Scotland."
SNP MP for Edinburgh South West KC Joanna Cherry, wrote: "I am so saddened to hear this. A great man & a great patriot. May he rest in peace."
Professor Gerry Hassan told the Daily Record: "Ian Hamilton was never an elected politician or held political office but he changed Scotland more fundamentally than most politicians.
"He did something dramatic, symbolic and memorable, which combined drama, cheek and panache - taking back the Stone of Destiny - in so doing cooking a snook to the British establishment.
"Ian was one of the standout figures of post-war Scotland. He contributing to changing the idea of Scotland, who we collectively are and the stories we tell of ourselves. There are very few public figures that can be said of in any age. And he did all this with a wee glint in his eye."
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