Tributes paid to 'larger than life' SNP activist

Tributes have been paid to veteran SNP activist Calum Cashley. 

Nicola Sturgeon described the well known campaigner as “larger than life”.

He stood for the party a number of times, including in 1999, narrowly missing out on winning a Dundee seat in Holyrood by 121 votes.

In the run-up to the 2014 referendum, he worked for Business for Scotland as the group’s head of media. 

He also had stints working for MSP Fiona Hyslop, Alyn Smith during his time in Brussels and latterly for Deidre Brock, the MP for Edinburgh North and Leith. 

Taking to Twitter, Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m so sad that Calum Cashley has died. He was larger than life & a powerhouse campaigner. He was also kind & funny (and, ok, occasionally grumpy). Becoming a dad to wee Rosa had made him so happy - and we’ll make sure she knows how loved he was. Thinking of Laura & the family.”

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “Terribly sad news of Calum Cashley’s death. My first ever Election Agent, in 1992 and a source of advice, friendship and support ever since. My sincere condolences to his wife Laura, and baby daughter, Rosa. So very sad.”

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale also paid tribute to the campaigner, tweeting: “I had many long, funny, good-natured conversations with Calum Cashley about both politics and cheese. I think he loved both equally. Am heart sore he’s gone so soon. Deepest condolences to all those who knew him.”