The Scot who knew Fidel Castro best has paid tribute to the late Cuban leader.
Former Labour Trade Minister Brian Wilson said Castro educated his people and gave them healthcare they had never had before.
And Mr Wilson also revealed that Castro was such a fan of whisky that he once sent a team to Scotland to find out how to make it.
“But when they told him he would need 26 distilleries to make a blend he soon dropped that idea,” said Mr Wilson.
“They still make a whisky called Old Havana, but let’s just say it is one of the less successful parts of the revolution.”
Mr Wilson, speaking from his home on the Isle of Lewis, added: “Castro never wanted to be part of the Soviet bloc – that happened because he had nowhere else to go once the Americans invaded. The world should remember him as leader that demonstrated might was not necessarily right.
“I am sad on a personal level about his death, but his legacy is enormous.
“He was certainly a pragmatist. The story of the Cuban revolution is one of constantly changing circumstances.
“You can admire all of that without being an uncritical supporter, believe me, but do not lose the bigger picture – that Fidel Castro, for his region and for oppressed people throughout the world, sent out a message of hope.”
Mr Wilson, who now heads Harris Tweed Hebrides, led efforts to normalise trade links with Cuba and even shared an Old Havana whisky with the president at one meeting.
Castro also invited Mr Wilson to join him at his exclusive 80th birthday bash, before it was cancelled because of his ill health.
The Celtic director received the invite to the Havana party in recognition of him being a friend of the country for then nearly 30 years.
“We developed a very good relationship. One of the great things is that Cuba never forgets its friends and I am proud to be a friend of Cuba,” said Mr Wilson.
“Cuba isn’t perfect – but it is living proof that it is possible for a third world country to combat poverty, disease and illiteracy.”