Tributes pour in for ex-Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as he dies aged 69: He shaped our politics for a generation
Tributes have poured in for Former Scottish First Minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond who has died.
Tributes have poured in for Former Scottish First Minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond who has died.
The 69-year-old has passed away after giving a speech in North Macedonia this morning (Saturday, October 12).
Three hours before the news broke he was posting on social media lauding independence as he urged the First Minister John Swinney to think independently, not subserviently.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leads the tributes to the political titan, calling him a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics who leaves behind a lasting legacy.
In a statement he said: For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.
The Alba Party leader reportedly passed away after giving a speech in North Macedonia. Pictured: In September 2024
Alex Salmond launches the Yes campaign from a cinema in Edinburgh in 2012
As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotlands heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service.
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.
Also paying tribute former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described him as a huge figure in our politics.
He wrote: While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.
Alba general secretary Chris McEleny shared his tribute to Salmond, writing: Thank you for all your lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship. And thank you for everything you did for Scotland.
For many years you were the father of the nation and for several years youve been a father like figure to me. Our dream will live forever.
Salmond led the Scottish Nationalist Party between 1990 and 2000, and then again between 2004 and 2014. In this time he led the countrys fight for nationalism with the Yes Scotland campaign.
He resigned after the Yes Scotland campaign was defeated, forming the Alba party in 2021.
In a statement, leader of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar paid tribute to his former political opponent, calling him a towering figure.
He said: The sad news of Alex Salmonds passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.
Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.
It is right that we recognise Alexs service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP. A towering figure.
Salmond, the first SNP politician to serve as First Minister, was elected in 2007 on a minority government before winning the only Holyrood majority in 2011.
Over the course of his career he took the SNP from the fringes of Scottish politics in the 1980s to the most dominant party in the country.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney also shared his condolences, paying tribute to Salmond for having worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved.
He 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.
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.
And former First Minister Humza Yousaf added: Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but theres no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish & UK politics.
As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today. My condolences to his family and friends.
Salmond led the Scottish Nationalist Party between 1990 and 2000, and then again between 2004 and 2014. Pictured: With wife Moira in 2020
Former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross added: While we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years.
My thoughts are with Moira and his family and friends at this difficult time.
Former MP Joanna Cherry KC wrote: 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.
Tory MP Tom Tugendhat posted: Alex Salmond was a towering figure who shaped our politics for a generation. He will not be forgotten. My condolences to his family and friends.
Baroness Laing of Elderslie wrote: This is shocking news about Alex Salmond. Although I profoundly disagreed with his nationalist principles, on a personal level I counted him as a friend. He was a brilliant orator, a clever politician and very good company. We will all miss him enormously.
