Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland, has died at the age of 69.
The pro-independence politician, who led the Scottish National Party between 2004 and 2014, died after giving a speech in North Macedonia.
He was first minister between 2007 and 2014 and is known for having led the SNP into the Scottish independence referendum.
In recent years he had split with his former party and set up Alba, a new pro-independence party.
Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said in a statement: “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 cannot 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.”
Rishi Sunak said: “Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. 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.”
Douglas Ross, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives said: “Alex Salmond made a huge impact in the North East and across the whole country. 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.”
Humza Yousaf, former first minister of Scotland, said in a statement on X: “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.”
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute, calling Mr Salmond a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.
The Prime Minister said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“As first minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s 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.”
Mr Salmond is one of Scottish politics’ most consequential figures and oversaw the transformation of the SNP into a formidable force.
He took over at the helm of the party following its disastrous showing in the 2004 European elections and quickly engineered a reversal in its fortunes.
It emerged as the largest party in Holyrood at the 2007 Scottish elections, with Mr Salmond leading a minority government propped up by the Greens.
Four years later he led the SNP to an overall majority and immediately pressed ahead with his plans to hold an independence referendum.
The vote was held on September 18, 2014, but resulted in defeat for the pro-independence movement, forcing Mr Salmond to resign as first minister.
He was replaced by his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, with whom he had forged a formidable partnership.
But the pair’s relationship broke down irrevocably when in 2018 he faced multiple allegations of sexual impropriety while he was in office.
Mr Salmond and his allies were enraged by her handling of the Scottish Government’s official investigation into the allegations.
He later took successful legal action, with the SNP administration admitting it should not have appointed an investigating officer who had “prior involvement” in his case.
Last month he said in an interview that he “seriously doubted” he would ever speak to Ms Sturgeon again.
The schism prompted the former first minister to set up a new pro-independence party, Alba, in 2021 which has stood against the SNP in Scottish and UK elections.
ChrisMcEleny, the general secretary of Alba, posted on social media: “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 you’ve been a father-like figure to me. Our dream will live forever.”
