NICOLA Sturgeon namechecked one person in her resignation speech which brought to a close an eight-year career at the top of Scottish politics.
But it wasn’t any of her closest political allies, or her mentor Alex Salmond, nor even her husband. It was the stalwart independence activist Allan Angus.
She said it was the experience of attending the late Scottish activist's funeral which tipped her to being fully certain it was time for her to throw in the towel as First Minister.
She said: “Yesterday morning I attended the funeral of a dear friend and long-standing independence activist, a wonderful man by the name of Allan Angus.
So sorry to hear that Allan Angus, one of the best people, SNP legend and dancing superstar has sadly passed away. Allan was loved by all, was a mentor to many and was always there to give folk a helping hand. He will be missed by so, so many. pic.twitter.com/yoE6YYDVQb
— Kevin Stewart SNP (@KevinStewartSNP) February 4, 2023
“It was actually during that funeral service that I went from being 99% certain about this decision to 100% certain - though I know Allan would not be at all happy to have played any part in my departure.
“But his funeral reminded me that the cause of independence is so much bigger than any one individual; that all of us who believe in it contribute in different ways, at different stages of our lives.”
Who was Allan Angus?
Angus was an SNP member and independence activist who died aged 89 earlier in the year. His funeral was held on Tuesday morning at Baldarroch Crematorium, near Crathes in Aberdeenshire.
His funeral was attended by the First Minister and Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart.
A great turnout today to say farewell to one of the very best people, Allan Angus. Allan was an @theSNP stalwart, dancer extraordinaire and an all round good guy. All the best Allan and I hope that there is MacAllan on tap and ceilidh dancing galore wherever you are. pic.twitter.com/t0lGxH3OSJ
— Kevin Stewart SNP (@KevinStewartSNP) February 14, 2023
Stewart tweeted: “It was emotional to hear Allan Angus’ name being mentioned by [Nicola Sturgeon] in her resignation speech.
“Allan loved Nicola and that love was reciprocated. He would be very sad about Nicola’s resignation, but I am sure he would understand why she has made her decision.”
On the day of the funeral, Stewart tweeted: “A great turnout today to say farewell to one of the very best people, Allan Angus.
“Allan was an [SNP] stalwart, dancer extraordinaire and an all round good guy.
“All the best Allan and I hope that there is MacAllan on tap and ceilidh dancing galore wherever you are.”
When news of Angus’s passing was made public, Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss said: “Heartbroken to hear that the best ceilidh partner I ever had has passed away.
“Allan Angus was a wonderful man and I will miss him so much. From chasing to keep up with him leafleting, to every dance we had, to seeing him for the final time last conference, it was a pleasure.”
David Linden, the MP for Glasgow East, added: “Allan Angus was a very, very special man.
“His encouragement of those of us who came up the party through the [Young Scots for Independence, the SNP’s youth wing] can never be overstated. A true legend. May he rest in peace.”
