Scotland's First Minister has described Alex Salmond as an “extremely important” figure in Scottish and British politics – joining star King and Succession star Brian Cox in paying tribute following his sudden death.
John Swinney has praised the former Scottish leader's work as an MP, telling Sky News Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “He made a colossal contribution to Scottish politics.”
Mr Salmond has died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 69 due to a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia.
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Swinney credited Salmond with taking the Scottish National Party from “the periphery of Scottish politics to becoming the Government of Scotland” and bringing the country “incredibly close” to independence with the 2014 referendum.
Asked why he thought Salmond was so successful, the SNP leader said: “(He had) absolute determination to succeed in his policies.
“We have gathered people to make sure that we succeed in our policies. So there was real drive and energy at the heart of this activity.
“The second thing was his sense of strategic perspective, which was important in determining how you moved from one situation to another and how you built your position through those strategic decisions.”
Swinney said Salmond was “an extremely important, significant and influential figure in Scottish and British politics”.
In a message released by Buckingham Palace, the king said he and the queen were “very saddened” to hear of Salmond's “sudden death.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Trevor Phillips that Salmond was “an extremely important figure in Scottish and British politics and a powerful campaigner who must be opposed to the trade unionism”.
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Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride described Salmond as “a man who was a pleasure to talk to and a pleasure to be around”.
He said the former Scottish leader was a “very consistent politician” and added: “While I fundamentally disagree with what he stood for, these were nonetheless very significant challenges.”
Former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair added: “Whatever our disagreements, he was a huge figure in Scottish and British politics and was clearly committed to Scotland and its people.”
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Salmond speaks the day before he dies
Scottish actor Brian Cox – star of drama series “Succession” – described Mr Salmond as “one of the greatest political thinkers” ever produced in the British Isles.
He said Salmond had “defended the cause” of Scottish independence with “great humanity and great understanding”.
Brian Cox paid tribute to Mr Salmond
A memorial service for Salmond was held in Ohrid, North Macedonia, attended by President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.
The former first minister was in the country to attend and speak at the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy Forum. After his speech, it is believed he collapsed during lunch in a crowded hall.
A memorial service was held for Alex Salmond in North Macedonia
Mark Donfried, director of the Academy of Cultural Diplomacy, attended the conference and said Mr Salmond appeared to be in his “best mood” during the meal.
“He suddenly came out and ran into the arms of my friend across the table,” he said.
“I immediately got up and ran to call an ambulance and when I came back he was lying on the floor.
“We are all shocked – the whole hotel, the conference, it was very difficult for all of us. We had a short moment last night to reflect on his legacy.”
Salmond was First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP twice, from 1990 to 2000 and 2004 to 2014.
He resigned as First Minister following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, in which a majority of 55-45% voted to remain in the UK.
He founded the rival Scottish independence party Alba in 2021 after breaking off relations with his successor Nicola Sturgeon.
