Orkney SNP members have paid tribute to life-long independence campaigner Emily Velzian following her recent death.

In an emotional address at the start of last Wednesday’s Orkney SNP branch AGM, Donna Heddle spoke warmly of Emily’s passionate belief in an independent Scotland.

Professor Heddle said:

“The cause of independence was very dear to her heart, and what a heart it was, even though it failed her towards the end of her time. She had so many problems with her health, but she was indefatigable, Emily.”

Prof. Heddle spoke about Emily’s dedication to campaigning, turning out at every street stall, where her ability to engage with folk on the topic of independence – or indeed any topic – was invaluable.

“She was very direct and passionate all her life about Scottish independence. She was brought up in care, of course, and she quite often got in trouble for talking about Scottish independence when she was a little girl. One of my memories of her is at conference. The time that Nicola Sturgeon talked about the changes to the care system, and Emily – I took her hand because the tears were rolling down her face at the thought of that.

“Another very fond memory of Emily at conference is the fact that if you went with Emily you got a front seat. No question. I remember one time we went to the conference in Aberdeen and we were sharing a room. Emily got me up at half past 6 in the morning, so that we could go to the venue. We were there and the cleaners were going round with the hoovers, and Emily and I are there with a massive flag right in the front.

“So, from my point of view, it is not an SNP conference if you don’t see a shot at some point of Emily Velzian and the fortunate person sitting next to her clapping away vigorously at something somebody is saying.”

Prof. Heddle said that Emily had been a miss since the pandemic and then Emily’s health had affected her ability to attend meetings, and it was a regret that she or others hadn’t been able to see her more often, especially at the recent marking of the 10th anniversary of the 2014 independence referendum.

“She’s a mother of three, of course – to Kirsty, Andrew and Gordon, and we’re thinking of them at this very, very sad time. It seems very hard that we won’t see her face at a meeting again, and that she won’t see the independence that she fought for so hard all her life. Sleep well, Emily.”

Branch convener Robert Leslie echoed Prof. Heddle’s words, and said:

“We can all take a lesson from Emily’s book of campaigning and of keeping a positive view of everything. She will be sorely missed by all of us in the independence movement in Orkney.”