Former first minister Alex Salmond has revealed he has no regrets about raising the Saltire at Wimbledon to celebrate Andy Murray’s 2013 victory – and that he would do it again.
Writing exclusively for the Press and Journal, the Gordon MP said the media storm after he was pictured hoisting the Scottish flag behind Prime Minister David Cameron was “entirely the manufacture of the London press corps”.
He added: “Oh, and if I were still the first minister and if Andy wins again then the saltire would be hoist again in the Royal Box.”
Mr Salmond was met with a wave of criticism after he waved the flag behind Mr Cameron to celebrate Murray’s historic Wimbledon win over Nadal two years ago.
Independent Highland councillor Jim Crawford even reported the SNP leader to the commissioner for ethical standards in public life in Scotland for what he described as “disgraceful” behaviour.
He said at the time: “I felt like many other people who watched Andy Murray win at Wimbledon and I was disappointed at the first minister”s behaviour.
“It was quite disgraceful for a man of his position.
“He embarrassed himself, the position he holds as first minister and the people of Scotland for political gain. That”s why I reported him.”
Mr Crawford could not be reached for comment yesterday.
A year later Mr Murray revealed that he “didn’t like” Salmond’s flag waving after he was crowned the first British Wimbledon winner since Fred Perry in 1936.
Now Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has said the former First Minster has shown his “true colours” with his latest comments.
He said: “Alex Salmond showed his true colours when he raised the Saltire behind the prime minister at Wimbledon. It was both a petty and a vulgar show, typical of an individual who has to be the centre of attention wherever he goes.
“This year, instead of bitching from the sidelines he should be encouraging everyone from the United Kingdom to get behind Andy Murray.”
A Number 10 spokeswoman declined to comment.