GLASGOW SNP councillor Allison Hunter has died.

The former Glasgow SNP group leader passed away last night (tues) after a long battle with non Hodgkins lymphoma.

The 71-year-old was a long standing SNP member with more than 40 years experience and served as election agent to Jim Sillars in his 1988 by election victory in Govan.

She became a councillor for the Govan ward in 2007 and served for six years and as group leader for a period after her predecessor James Dornan became an MSP.

Tributes were paid by First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Allison Hunter was a party stalwart and much-loved person – her contribution over a period of many years was immense, and she was at the heart of some of the SNP’s most successful and important campaigns.”

Ms Sturgeon said: "Alison's contribution to the national success the SNP has enjoyed in recent years cannot be overstated. As National Organiser, she trained and mentored so many of us who are now MSPs, councillors and organisers.

"I personally owe Allison an enormous debt of gratitude. She was a constant source of advice and support."

Mrs Hunter is survived by her husband Ian, her sister Anne, her children Fiona, Mhairi and Roy and her grandchildren Kathleen and Andrew.