SNP members today joined First Minister Alex Salmond in paying tribute to trade unionist Jimmy Reid.

Jimmy Reid joined the SNP in 2005 and regularly lent his support to candidates on the campaign trail.  Jimmy Reid was also life President of the SNP Trade Union Group.

Nicola Sturgeon MSP for Govan said: “Jimmy Reid is a name that will always ring out proudly in Govan.  Jimmy was a Clydeside legend who in no small way is to thank for the fact we still have shipyards at Govan and Scotstoun. People here had great affection for Jimmy Reid, he belonged to Govan and will be greatly missed.

“His support for me in the Glasgow East by-election will never be forgotten. I particularly remember the affection and respect with which he was held by the public when we visited Shettleston Road. There is no question that his support played a crucial role in the SNP's success in that by-election and his comment that he hadn't left Labour, but Labour left him summed up the mood of people across the constituency.  One of the key issues that drives me in politics is the unacceptable gap between the rich and poor in our society. That is something that also drove Jimmy Reid and something his legacy should inspire is to beat."

SNP MSP Bill Kidd, a member of the SNP trade union group of which Jimmy Reid was life President has lodged the following motion in the Scottish Parliament to recognise Jimmy Reid’s contribution to Scottish public life.

Jimmy Reid 1932 – 2010:
Parliament is saddened to hear of the passing away of veteran trades unionist and activist Jimmy Reid; notes the leadership role that Jimmy and his comrades played during the successful Upper Clyde Shipbuilders sit-in in 1971; remembers Jimmy's insights as a broadcaster and journalist on a wide range of issues from economics and politics to history and literature; marks his achievement of having been elected as Rector of Glasgow University; notes the gratitude of colleagues from across Scottish political life and in the trade union movement for his support and advice over the years; celebrates the life of Jimmy Reid as a Scot, an internationalist, a man of the people, a family man and a friend and mentor of many; sends heartfelt condolences to Jimmy's family over their loss at this time.