William McIlvanney

Scottish author known as the ‘godfather of tartan noir’ who also articulated the struggle for independence
Many of McIlvanney’s novels portrayed life on Glasgow’s streets
Many of McIlvanney’s novels portrayed life on Glasgow’s streets
STUART WALLACE FOR THE TIMES

In December 1992, as European leaders gathered in Edinburgh for an EU summit, the writer William McIlvanney addressed 20,000 people, gathered under the banner of the Campaign for Scottish Democracy. What he said has stuck in the memories of many who were there, because it spoke for the nature of Scotland in those pre-devolution days.

“We gather here like refugees in the capital of our own country. We are almost 700 years old and we are still wondering what we want to be when we grow up. Scotland is in an intolerable state, and we must never acclimatise to it — never.” Then, to the dismay of many present — including Alex Salmond — he added: “Scotland is not of some pedigree lineage. We are