Tributes pour in for former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, who dies aged 69: 'He shaped our politics for a generation'

Tributes have poured in to former Scottish First Minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond who has died.

The 69-year-old died this morning (Saturday, October 12) after a speech in North Macedonia.

Three hours before the news, he posted on social media praising independence and urging First Minister John Swinney to think “for yourself, not subservience.”

Mr Prime Minister Keir Starmer pays tribute to the political titan, calling him “a monumental figure in Scotland and… UK Politics” who “leaves behind a lasting legacy”.

In a statement he said: “For over 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics. It leaves a lasting legacy.

Alex Salmond launches the Yes campaign at an Edinburgh cinema in 2012

“As Scotland's First Minister, he cared deeply about Scotland's heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented for many years as an MP and Member of Parliament.

“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and loved ones. On behalf of the UK Government, I offer them our condolences today.

He also pays tribute to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described him as a “huge figure in our politics”.

He wrote: “Although I disagreed with him on a constitutional issue, there was no denying his debating skills and political passion. May he rest in peace.

Alba general secretary Chris McEleny paid tribute to Salmond, writing: “Thank you for all the lessons, advice, guidance, mentoring, love and friendship. And thank you for everything you have done for Scotland.

“For many years you were the father of the nation and for several years you were a father figure to me. Our dream will live forever.

Salmond led the Scottish Nationalist Party from 1990 to 2000 and then again from 2004 to 2014. During this time he led the country's fight for nationalism with the Yes Scotland campaign.

He resigned after the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign, forming the Alba party in 2021.

In a statement, Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to his former political opponent, calling him an “outstanding figure.”

He said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond's death will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, the UK and beyond.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labor I offer our sincere condolences to all who will mourn his loss.

“Alex was a central figure in politics for over thirty years and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.

“It is right that we recognize Alex's service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented both as an MP and as an MP. An impressive figure.

The politician played a significant role in the country's fight for nationalism and led the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014.

He resigned after the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign, forming the Alba party in 2021.

Salmond, the first SNP politician to serve as first minister, was elected to a minority government in 2007 before winning a sole majority at Holyrood in 2011.

Over the course of his career, he took the SNP from the fringes of 1980s Scottish politics to the most dominant party in the country.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney also expressed his condolences, paying tribute to Salmond for “working tirelessly and fighting fearlessly for the country he loved.”

He said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of former First Minister Alex Salmond and I offer my heartfelt condolences to Alex's wife Moira and his family.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country he loved and its independence. He led 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 many more opportunities for reflection in the days ahead, but today all our thoughts are with Alex's family and his many friends, as well as across the political spectrum.”

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf added: “Alex and I have obviously had our differences over the last few years, but there is no doubt about the enormous contribution he has made to Scottish and British politics.

“As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today. My condolences to his family and friends.”

Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross added: “Although we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics, which he dominated for many years.

“My thoughts are with Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Former MP Joanna Cherry KC wrote: “I am devastated by the news that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation and by all accounts the best First Minister our country has ever had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.

“Unfortunately, some of his former comrades misused him and I am sorry that he has not been vindicated. I will remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My sincerest condolences go to Moira, his family and everyone who loved him.”

Tory MP Tom Tugendhat wrote: “Alex Salmond was a towering figure who shaped our politics for a generation. He will not be forgotten. My condolences to his family and friends.”

Baroness Laing of Elderslie wrote: “This is shocking news in the case of Alex Salmond. Although I deeply disagreed with his nationalist principles, on a personal level I considered him a friend. He was an excellent orator, a wise politician and very good company. We will all miss him greatly.