Scots tattoo artist gets Alex Salmond ink on leg

THERE’S no doubt that outgoing First Minister Alex Salmond has made his mark on Scottish politics - and it seems his legacy can be found in more unusual places too.

Aphra Wilson's tattoo of Alex Salmond on her leg. Picture: Hemedia

Aphra Wilson, 33, boss of Spaghetti Tattoos in Kirkcaldy, Fife, has given herself a tattoo of Mr Salmond on her leg.

The black and grey tattoo shows the SNP politician holding up both fists and letters spelling “Saor Alba” - Free Scotland - across his knuckles.

She created the piece in just two hours. She said it reflected a sense of “motivation” and the idea of “hope over fear”.

Ms Wilson said that Alex Salmond, who announced he was to step down as First Minister and SNP party leader last month, would permanently stay on her.

She said: “I’m a tattoo artist and that’s how I express my feelings about things.

“The whole referendum process is down to Alex Salmond and I think he should be remembered for that.

“We might have lost the referendum but we have a young and new generation of politically awakened people that won’t give up.

“I did it myself. It’s on my right leg and took about two hours. I guess it’s to keep myself motivated and to keep the dream of hope over fear alive.”

Around 200 people had Yes and Aye slogans tattooed at the Kirkcaldy studio before the historic poll. Others asked for butterfly and Saltire designs.

The permanent political statements gave a small financial boost to the independent movement with contributions as little as £2 a piece.

The tattoo drive managed to raise £600 for the Yes campaign in addition to £400 for a food bank in Kirkcaldy.