ALEX Salmond last night led tributes to Professor Paul Wilkinson, one of Scotland's most prominent academics and a world authority in terrorism, who has died at the age of 74.

Emeritus Professor Wilkinson, pictured below, of St Andrews University, became a high profile commentator following the September 11 atrocities and criticised many of George Bush’s “war on terror” policies, including the Guantanamo Bay project.

He last spoke out about the mass shootings in Norway three weeks ago, despite his failing health.

Mr Salmond, a St Andrews graduate, said: “Professor Wilkinson made an enormous contribution to our understanding of the modern world and the terrorist threat. His was always a voice of reason, even when commenting on the most extreme events, and he brought great wisdom and learning to his areas of specialism.

Prof Wilkinson, who lived in Crail, Fife, with his family, co-founded the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St Andrews in 1994. It has become one of the most respected in its field.

Under his watch, the School of International Relations saw a huge surge in popularity.

St Andrews Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, said: “Paul was a personal friend. He treated younger scholars with unfailing generosity and courtesy.”

Prof Wilkinson was the author of 15 books on terrorism, including Lessons of Lockerbie.

He described terrorism as a “grim” subject but stressed the importance of understanding it to prevent the “modern scourge”.

He is survived by wife Sue, their three children, Rachel, John and Charles, and their grandchildren.