Photo: Mike Douglas,
death being a suicide. There are many theories around as to who may have killed Willie – he was investigating the nuclear industry and NATO in Scotland, as well as the illegal drugs trade.
“More recently it has come to light that Willie had compiled a dossier on senior paedophiles in the legal establishment and at Westminster. So far no copy of this has been found, but it was known to exist at the time of his death.”
Over the years there have been repeated calls for a formal inquiry into his death. Winnie Ewing conducted an investigation on behalf of the SNP, but found herself refused access to all the documents relating to the case. She concluded that she could not say with any certainty that the prominent activist killed himself.
Following on from its successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Paterson’s play is currently touring Scotland.
“It is a rolling tour with dates being added all the time,” said Paterson, who believes the play has struck a chord with a new generation of a politically rejuvenated audiences.
So what is the relevance of the MacRae story today – why is it still in people’s minds?
“It’s a matter of justice. Many of us believe that Willie MacRae was murdered, and that the state knows more about his death than they will officially reveal,” said Paterson.
Top 3000 Trees: Andy Paterson and Roger Mullin, SNP candidate for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath host a lively post show discussion at Kirkcaldy Old Kirk.
Above:
Willie MacRae at an SNP rally.
“MacRae’s character and campaigning style harks back to the days when the SNP was not a mainstream party – it was a movement. That atmosphere is alive again now – there is a movement for independence that crosses party lines – it feels like the grass roots are seting the agenda, not the politicians.
“MacRae belonged to the grass roots of the SNP – he was a rousing speaker, in touch with a patriotism that appealed to many in the SNP – he was unashamedly patriotic and unashamedly anti-establishment. I think that resonates today.”
Recently there have been claims in the media that the mystery
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