Tributes as Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond died of a suspected heart attack yesterday while on a speaking engagement in North Macedonia. The Alba Party leader, the man who lead the independence movement for many years, was 69.

Mr Salmond was a political giant, by far the foremost politician of his generation in Scotland, and while his fallout with the Scottish National Party in recent years is well documented his death is a massive loss to the independence movement.

As often happens in the sometimes grubby world of politics, former political opponents and colleagues – many of whom had latterly plotted and briefed against Mr Salmond – have come forward with words of praise for the former leader.

In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, King Charles said: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.

“His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.

“We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

Commenting on news that the former First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond has died, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.

“Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government I offer them our condolences today.”

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We disagreed about many things, but there is no doubt that Alex Salmond was a giant of Scottish and British politics.

“Hugely passionate about the causes he championed, he was one of those rare politicians with both enormous charisma and genuine conviction, who always held the room.

“No matter your own point of view, you couldn’t help but stop and listen to his every word. He might have had his faults, but he was as sharp as a button with a strategic mind – I once said you had to count your fingers on the way out of a meeting with Alex! He has been taken far too young; my thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family.”

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of @ScotParl, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

“Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”

Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to her former SNP colleague and political mentor Alex Salmond.

The pair were almost inseperable for more than three decades as they helped transform the Nationalists from a noisy fringe movement into what became an impressive election-winning machine.

The pair were also the driving force behind the 2014 independence referendum and the campaign for a Yes vote.

But there was a dramatic parting of the ways for the Indy ‘dream team’ after allegations of sexual assault were made against Salmond by several women, which led to a criminal trial in 2020. Alex Salmond was cleared on all charges, and questions remain over some aspects of the case against Salmond.

 Ms Sturgeon said: “I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death. “Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.

“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”

Former Westminster colleague Joanna Cherry said: “I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.

“Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him.”

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cllr Cammy Day said:

ALBA Party MSP Ash Regan tweeted: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself.

“My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream. ”

Journalist and independence campaigner Lesley Riddoch commented: “Maybe naysayers will think Alex Salmond’s death marks an end to the campaign for independence. I’d suggest it’s quite the opposite.

“The responsibility has been handed on to everyone who would now vote Yes. And the baton has been handed over to new generations.”