Former First Minister, Alex Salmond, has died aged 69.
Mr Salmond was the leader of the Alba Party, which he set up in 2021.
It is just ten years since he stepped down as First Minister and leader of the SNP after the Independence Referendum. He was the former First Minister of Scotland, the leader of the SNP, a former MP and MSP.
The BBC is reporting that he died while in Macedonia giving a speech.
His friend, former Conservative MP, David Davis, who appeared with him in a Fringe show said on Twitter: “I was due to see Alec tomorrow night to discuss the next round in dealing with the Scottish Government’s malevolent actions against him. We differed on some fundamental issues, but he was a great leader for his country.”
Mr Salmond was leader of the SNP between 1990 and 2000 and then from 2004 to 2014.
First Minister of Scotland, 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.
“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.”
The Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Ian Murray, said: “It’s impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and our politics. He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family and loved ones at this time.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell 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.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas 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 U.K 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 Alex’s service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”
Journalist and broadcaster, Andrew Neil, the former Editor of The Sunday Times, said: “So sad to learn that Alex Salmond has died. I had lunch with him in London only three weeks ago — an epic lunch as it transpired, as was fitting with Alex — and he was in fine form. Full of plans and plots. He even paid!
“His upbeat mood then make this all the more surprising and sad. He and I could not have been more different in terms of Scotland’s position in the UK but we had a mutual respect and he knew I always regarded him as the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times. He was also the best of company. To be with him was always a joy. I will miss him hugely. So will Scotland. My condolences to his wonderful wife.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
