Jimmy Halliday

Who was Jimmy Halliday?

James Halliday was the chairman of the Scottish National Party from 1956 until 1960.

Halliday was born in Wemyss Bay, the son of an estate gardener, and was educated at Skelmorlie Primary School and Greenock Academy. He joined the SNP in 1943, aged 16, and also registered for military service in World War II. Halliday began studying at the University of Glasgow in 1944, joining the Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association and playing an active part in union debates. A few months later he was struck down with tuberculosis of the spine, and it was not until 1947 that he was able to stand. He returned to Glasgow University in 1948 and graduated in 1952. Thereafter he taught history at Coatbridge High School, Uddingston Grammar School and Dunfermline High School.

In 1956, Halliday was elected leader of the SNP when Robert McIntyre decided to step down due to his belief that there was some opposition to him remaining leader amongst the party ranks. Although aged only 28, Halliday seemed the natural replacement as he had been the only other SNP candidate at the 1955 general election besides McIntyre. Halliday also contested seats in the 1959 and 1970 general elections.