ALEX Salmond is a big fan of Paul Kavanagh’s Wee Ginger Dug output, and though he has been quiet in the press recently, the former first minister sent a special message of support to Kavanagh.

“Great to hear that Paul Kavanagh’s wit will be gracing the National columns even more,” he said.

“He is the most potent political humorist in Scotland’s cause since the great Oliver Brown.”

That is huge praise – Oliver Brown had a varied career in and out of the SNP but used his great talent for humour to promote the cause for independence.

It was he who said Winnie Ewing’s 1967 Hamilton by-election victory had “caused a shiver to run along the Scottish Labour benches looking for a spine to run up”.

READ MORE: The sad passing of the canine star of the Scottish independence movement

Regular readers will know that Paul has started a crowdfunder to try and raise £50,000 to help him buy a ground floor flat as he recovers.

You can donate directly to the crowdfunder on gofundme by searching for “Wee Ginger Rehab Fundraiser” on the website.

Alternatively you can donate by Paypal, using the donate button or log into Paypal and send a payment to the email address weegingerbook@yahoo.com. Or just click the donate button.

If you don’t have a Paypal account, just select “donate with card” after clicking the button.

If you would prefer to donate some other way, for example, by bank transfer or cheque please email Paul at weegingerbook@yahoo.com for further details.

Paul’s column will be back on Tuesday. Unionists beware!