Scores of people in Inverness queued for hours yesterday for their chance to come face to face with Alex Salmond.
The former first minister was at the city’s Waterstones to sign copies of The Dream Shall Never Die, his memoir of the final 100 days of the independence referendum campaign last year.
More than 100 people queued through the store and out into the Eastgate Centre atrium for Mr Salmond to put his pen to their hardbacks.
After arriving slightly late for the 4pm engagement, Mr Salmond greeted the large crowd, some of whom had come decked in tartan and saltires for the occasion.
He addressed the crowd from the shop stairs, announcing: “This would be a fine spot for a speech”, before declining the opportunity and setting to the task of putting his signature to his books.
At the head of the queue was 17-year-old Glenurquhart High School pupil Claire Simpson, who had been inspired by the referendum campaign but admitted to “disappointment” that she can’t vote in the upcoming election.
She and her family had stood for well over an hour in the store to get the chance to meet the former first minister.
She said: “I was going to buy the book before but I put it off until today so I could get it signed.
“I’ve not met him before so I’m really excited.”
Next in the queue were Sandra and Ed Hastings, who were decked out in distinctive full Jacobite garb for the occasion.
Not far behind them was Frances McKie who had travelled to Inverness from Evanton to have her book signed and also to present Mr Salmond with a card.
She said: “I just wanted the chance to thank him for the all the work he has done for Scotland over the years, and to say how important he will be over the next few years as well.
“I’ve managed to read the first 50 pages as well while standing in the queue.”
Inverness is the latest stop on a tour in support of the book, which has recently topped bestseller lists.