A senior Nationalist has said he would be happy for Alex Salmond to return to Holyrood as an MSP.
Alex Neil described the former First Minister as a political “heavyweight” who would enhance the reputation of the Parliament if he was elected next year.
Salmond was acquitted of 13 sexual offences charges during a trial this month at the High Court in Edinburgh.
After he was first accused of sexual misconduct in 2018, he quit the SNP as a way of blunting opposition party attacks.
Though he was cleared this week, he is still not a party member, but supporters are keen for him to rejoin.
Neil, an SNP MSP who served as health secretary under Salmond, said: “I do not see why Alex should not be back in the party. He was acquitted of all charges. The SNP cannot ignore someone of his talents and achievements.
“I would be happy for Alex to be back at Holyrood.
“He nearly led Scotland to independence. He would absolutely enhance the reputation of the Parliament. He’s a heavyweight.”
Salmond was first elected to Holyrood in 1999 and became first minister eight years later.
Senior Nationalist MPs Joanna Cherry and Kenny MacAskill have also called for Salmond to be readmitted.
Cherry said: “It goes without saying that Mr Salmond must be allowed to re-join the party without delay, if that is what he wishes to do, and that his place in the party’s history must be restored to the prominence it deserves.”
