An auction of gifts and memorabilia received by former First Minister Alex Salmond has raised more than £42,000 for charity this afternoon.
Among the 300 lots was a Saltire patterned tie, which went for £1,600.
Mr Salmond, MSP for Aberdeenshire East, wore the dark blue tie with a Saltire print on a host of historic occasions, including the signing of the Edinburgh Agreement with David Cameron which paved the way for the independence referendum.
He wore it to launch the Scottish Government’s blueprint for independence and chose it for his second battle with Alistair Darling in a televised debate.
Other items include signed copies of the Scottish Referendum Bill and the Edinburgh Agreement, cufflinks, watches and whisky.
The items were auctioned by Anita Manning of Great Western Auctions in Glasgow, with proceeds going to CLIC Sargent, the Scottish Youth Theatre and St Jerome’s Orphanage in Kenya.
The orphanage is run by Gemma Steele, a 23-year-old from South Uist.
Mr Salmond faced criticism from a Kirk minister earlier this week for his decision to sell the items for charity.
Rev Alistair May, of Stonelaw Church of Rutherglen, said it seemed a “little ungrateful”.
Speaking after the sale, Mr Salmond said: “I am delighted that the sale of these items have raised an incredible £42,100 for children’s charities and even more will be added to this total when further artworks are sold at the Fine Art Auction early next year.
“Over seven and half years as First Minister I was presented with many wonderful gifts – from novelty items, like soft toys or a Zulu spear, to high value items like artwork, Cartier cufflinks or rare stamps. These were gifts to me as Scotland’s First Minister and so, on leaving office, I am delighted that their proceeds from this Christmas auction will now benefit three great Scottish charities.
“I was amazed that my Saltire tie alone raised a staggering £1,600.
“Instead of packing these items away when we left Bute House, Moira and I were keen that other people be able to treasure them and raise money for charity in the process. There was something for everyone here today, for every pocket, and I hope those people who have bought one of these mementos will cherish and enjoy them as much we did.
“I want to thank Anita Manning and her team at Great Western Auctions in Glasgow for the incredible job they have done, at no cost, in cataloguing and auctioning these lots.”