Allison Hunter, former SNP Glasgow leader, dies

TRIBUTES have been paid to Allison Hunter, the former SNP National Organiser and Glasgow Council group leader, who has died following a long illness at the age of 71.

Former Glasgow SNP group leader Allison Hunter. Picture: Greg Macvean

Councillor Hunter represented the Govan ward and also previously served as the SNP’s national organiser.

She led the SNP group in Glasgow during last year’s local council election, when the party increased its representation on the authority.

However, she stepped down as group leader due to ill health.

First Minister Alex Salmond was among those paying tribute today to Councillor Hunter, who was also an election agent for deputy SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon in 2007.

Mr Salmond said: “Allison Hunter was a party stalwart and much-loved person – her contribution over a period of many years was immense, and she was at the heart of some of the SNP’s most successful and important campaigns.

“As the party’s full-time National Organiser, Allison built the operation which went on to achieve such spectacular results across Scotland, and since 2007 she served her beloved city of Glasgow as a councillor with dedication and distinction.

“Allison will be sorely missed, not just by her countless friends in the SNP but right across the political spectrum.”