SNP Leadership contest 2004

'I am launching my candidacy to be first minister.' Alex Salmond MP, 15 th July 2004.

Delight and perplexity in the heartland of 'Eck the Fish'

By Graeme Smith in the Herald 16 th July 2004

Constituency

IN the SNP heartland of Banff and Buchan yesterday, there was some delight but also puzzlement as the news spread that Alex Salmond was to try again to become leader of the party.

In the last general election, more than half of those who voted in the constituency, which includes the ports of Peterhead and Fraserburgh, put their cross against his name. The man known by some as Eck the Fish secured a 10,000 majority in what was once a safe Conservative seat.

Mr Salmond is generally regarded as a hero along the north-east coast for his tireless campaigning on behalf of the fishing industry, and that is why Eddie Smith, a former fisherman, believes he will be good for Scotland and the party.

"He is much more a go-getter than any of the others," said Mr Smith. "I am very happy that he is standing." However, as he prepared his vessel for sea yesterday, one skipper, who declined to be named, said: "Since Alex Salmond became an MP, there has been closure after closure and he has been able to do nothing about it, although he has tried, give him that.

"The only thing he has saved in Peterhead is the prison, and I don't think that has been a real success, because they are just biding their time before shutting it down. "When Lord Boothby was MP, and we couldn't get our herring sold, he went to Russia and found a market for it. Boothby was also involved in setting up successful farming co-operatives to help the agricultural industry."

Brian McDougall, a painter, was nonplussed by the news. "It is very surprising because it is only a few weeks since he said quite emphatically that he did not want to stand and even if he was elected he would refuse.

"I don't think the fact he is standing will make any difference either to the constituency or the party. He says plenty but does nothing.

"I am not political, but I think the SNP needs a complete overhaul and by coming back after saying he never would I think Alex Salmond has lost credibility."

That view was echoed by several people in Peterhead town centre, who also suggested that, even if he did become leader of the party, it would make no difference to their lives.

Gladys Peddie, a pensioner and SNP supporter, said she was pleased he was standing, but fears it will make no difference. "He hasn't been able to do anything in the past although, give him his due, he has tried." she said. "I suppose he is the best man for the job because he has been there before, but only if he has a woman as his deputy."

Carol MacDonald, one of the Cod Crusaders, said she was delighted.

She said: "He is passionate about the fishing industry and he is passionate about Scotland."