Alex Salmond death – latest: Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor’ ex-Scottish first minister
Sir Keir Starmer also praises Alba leader as ‘monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics’
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Tributes have poured in for the longtime Scottish first minister Alex Salmond after his sudden death aged 69 shocked the world of politics in which he was a senior figure for decades.
The current Alba leader passed away on Saturday afternoon at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the North Macedonia lake-resort town of Ohrid, the party’s general secretary Chris McEleny confirmed.
He had made a speech at the event, and the party said it understood he suffered a heart attack at lunch in a crowded room, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.
Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014, with contemporaries from across the political spectrum expressing their condolences.
British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes, describing Mr Salmond as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” for more than 30 years.
Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to her “mentor”, while Scotland’s current first minister John Swinney said Mr Salmond “fought fearlessly” for Scottish independence.
Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said the party “grieves the loss of their founder and leader”.
Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor' Salmond
Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to her “mentor” Alex 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."
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer offers condolences as flags at Scottish parliament lowered
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer has offered her condolences to Alex Salmond’s loved ones, as she announced that flags at the Scottish parliament have been lowered.
Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, 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.”
Former Scotland first minister Humza Yousaf has praised the “enormous contribution” Alex Salmond made to Scottish and UK politics.
In a post on X, Mr Yousaf said: “Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there's no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish and 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.”
SNP describes Salmond as 'titan of the independence movement’
The Scottish National Party has paid tribute to its former leader, describing him as “a titan of the independence movement”.
Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
In a post on X, the SNP said: “Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, has died.
“His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government.
“He was a titan of the independence movement.
“Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.”
Watch: Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
First Minister of Scotland Swinney pays tribute to Salmond who ‘fought fearlessly for country he loved'
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has paid tribute to Alex Salmond as a politician who “worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence”.
In a statement, Mr 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.
“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.”
Scottish Conservative leader praised Salmond as ‘formidable and impressive’ politician
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has said Alex Salmond will be remembered as a “formidable and impressive” politician.
In a statement, Mr Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.
“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.
“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”
‘Impossible to overstate impact Salmond had on Scotland and our politics,’ says Scottish secretary
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has said that “it is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics”.
Mr Murray continued: “He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.”
Scottish Labour leader Sarwar praises Salmond as ‘central figure in politics for over three decades'
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar praised Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
In a statement, Mr Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s 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.”
Full story: Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
The Alba Party leader, who served as Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014, passed away on Saturday after giving a speech in North Macedonia.
Describing his death as “sudden” and “a shock”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
Read the full story here:
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
The Alba Party leader passed away on Saturday after giving speech in North Macedonia
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