by Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland, has died aged 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 best known for leading the SNP into the Scottish independence referendum.
In recent years he had split with his former party and founded Alba, a new party for independence.
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labor leader, said in a statement: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s death today will shock everyone 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 deepest condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.
“Alex has been a central figure in politics for over two decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.
“It is right that we recognize Alex’s service to our country as prime minister and to the communities he represented as both an MP and an MSP.”
Rishi Sunak said: “Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. Although I did not agree with him on the question of the constitution, there was no stopping his skill in debate or his passion for politics. Rest in peace.”
Douglas Ross, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: “Alex Salmond had a huge impact in the North East and across the country. Although we had opposing political views, he was a very high profile figure in Scottish politics who dominated for many years.
“My thoughts are with Moira and his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Humza Yousaf, the former first minister of Scotland, said in a statement on X: “Alex and I have obviously had our differences over the last few years, but there is no doubting the enormous contribution he has made to Scottish politics and the United Kingdom as well as helping him. transforming 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 in Scottish and UK politics”.
The Prime Minister said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a significant figure in Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“As First Minister of Scotland, he had great respect for Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as an MP and MSP over many years of service.
“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his family. On behalf of the UK government, I offer our condolences to them today.”
Mr Salmond is one of the most consequential figures in Scottish politics and has overseen the transformation of the SNP into a formidable force.
He took over the party after a disastrous showing in the 2004 European elections and quickly engineered a turnaround 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 absolute majority and immediately went ahead with plans to hold an independence referendum.
The vote was held on 18 September 2014, but the pro-independence movement was defeated, forcing Mr Salmond to resign as prime minister.
He was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon, his deputy, with whom he had forged a great partnership.
But the pair’s relationship deteriorated irrevocably when he faced numerous allegations of inappropriate behavior while in office in 2018.
Ms Salmond and her allies were angered by her handling of the Scottish Government’s official investigation into the allegations.
He subsequently took successful legal action, with the SNP administration admitting that he should not have appointed an investigating officer who had “previous involvement” in his case.
Last month he said in an interview that he “seriously doubted” he would ever speak to Mr Sturgeon again.
The scandal prompted the former first minister to found a new pro-independence party, Scotland, in 2021 which stood against the SNP in the Scottish and United Kingdom elections.
ChrisMcEleny, Scotland’s general secretary, posted on social media: “Thank you for your lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, 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 have been like a father to me. Our dream will live forever.”
