In addition to his profession as a scholar and linguist, Oliver Brown was a leading figure in the nationalist movement. He held meetings on street corners, in schools, universities and halls all over Scotland, advocating the nationalist cause. He distilled his beliefs with humour in the many books and pamphlets he wrote. On his death Billy Wolfe, Chairman of the SNP, offered the following tribute: ‘Oliver made many contributions, but his most fundamental one was to make us think. He helped to make us care for Scotland, and to be careful in how we expressed our care.’ This vibrant portrait is by Margaret Oliver Brown, the sitter’s wife. Brown only enjoyed a brief career because of the early onset of rheumatoid arthritis. This was one of the last paintings she completed.