The media already attempts to assassinate my character in Scotland when I'm there, so my position is much more effective if I'm outside Scotland and am part of the voice of what the Scottish National Party is about.

You write your first draft with your heart and you re-write with your head. The first key to writing is to write, not to think.

The knighthood I received was a fantastic honour but it's not something I've ever used and I don't think I ever will.

I just think the most difficult thing to displace is privilege.

Laughter kills fear, and without fear there can be no faith. For without fear of the devil there is no need for God.

I don't think there is anything particularly wrong in hitting a woman, though I don't recommend you do it the same way that you hit a man.

To cultivate an English accent is already a departure away from what you are.