Politicians pay tribute to Alex Salmond following death

The former MP and MSP, who led Scotland between 2007 and 2014, became ill on Saturday while attending an international conference in North Macedonia.

Salmond led the Scottish National Party to power when they won the Scottish Parliament election in 2007, having previously been the party's leader between 1990 and 2000.

He led the pro-independence vote ahead of the referendum in 2014, and resigned after Scottish voters backed remaining in the UK by 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

Politicians from across the country have now paid tribute to the former First Minister. 

Brendan O'Hara, SNP MP for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s death.

"Alex was a towering figure in our movement for decades and there are very, very few SNP politicians who are not in his debt.

"Deepest condolences to Moira and his family. RIP Alex."

Meanwhile, Jackie Baillie, Labour MSP for the Dumbarton constituency which includes Helensburgh, said: "Shocked to hear about the sudden death of Alex Salmond.

"He dominated Scottish politics and cared deeply about our country.

"A formidable adversary and a very clever politician. Condolences to family and friends."

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 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. pic.twitter.com/RRz1A8iGTz

— The SNP (@theSNP) October 12, 2024

Math Campbell-Sturgess, Helensburgh and Lomond South SNP councillor, said: "A legend, a titan of the nationalist movement, taken far too early.

"I certainly had disagreements with him, as many did but it all falls away in the shadow of his massive accomplishments for Scotland.

"I am left with a tremendous sadness - my thoughts are with Moira and his family."