Tributes have poured in for Former Scottish First Minister and Alba Occasion chief Alex Salmond who has died.
The 69-year-old has handed away after giving a speech in North Macedonia this morning (Saturday, October 12). It is understood he collapsed after taking ailing.
Three hours earlier than the information broke he was posting on social media lauding independence as he urged the First Minister John Swinney to assume ‘independently, not subserviently’.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leads the tributes to the political titan, calling him a ‘monumental determine of Scottish and UK politics‘ who ‘leaves behind an enduring legacy’.
In a press release he mentioned: ‘For greater than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental determine of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind an enduring legacy.
The Alba Occasion chief reportedly handed away after giving a speech in North Macedonia. Pictured: In September 2024
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has died aged 69. Pictured: On the final day of campaigning for the UK Basic Election in July
‘As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, historical past and tradition, in addition to the communities he represented as MP and MSP over a few years of service.
‘My ideas are with those that knew him, his household, and his family members. On behalf of the UK authorities I provide them our condolences at present.’
Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has additionally paid tribute describing Salmond as her ‘mentor’ regardless of the ‘breakdown’ of their relationship lately.
The pair’s relationship broke down irreconcilably as he confronted allegations of sexual impropriety in 2018.
In an interview final month he mentioned that he ‘significantly doubted’ he would ever discuss to his successor once more.
She mentioned: ‘Clearly, I can’t fake that the occasions of the previous few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship didn’t occur, and it might not be proper for me to attempt.
‘Nonetheless, it stays the truth that for a few years Alex was an extremely vital determine in my life. He was my mentor, and for greater than a decade we shaped one of the crucial profitable partnerships in UK politics.
‘Alex modernised the SNP and led us into authorities for the primary time, changing into Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way in which for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.
‘He will likely be remembered for all of that. My ideas are with Moira, his wider household and his associates.’
Scottish First Minister John Swinney shared his condolences, paying tribute to Salmond for having ‘labored tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the nation that he beloved’.
Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has additionally paid tribute describing Salmond as her ‘mentor’ regardless of the ‘breakdown’ of their relationship lately
Alex Salmond arrives with Deputy Scottish Nationwide Occasion Chief Nicola Sturgeon to ship his victory speech at Prestonfield Home in Edinburgh on Might 6, 2011
He mentioned: ‘I’m deeply shocked and saddened on the premature demise of the previous First Minister Alex Salmond and I prolong my deepest condolences to Alex’s spouse Moira and to his household.
‘Alex labored tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the nation that he beloved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish Nationwide Occasion from the fringes of Scottish politics into Authorities and led Scotland so near changing into an Unbiased nation.
‘There will likely be far more alternative to mirror within the coming days, however at present all of our ideas are with Alex’s household, and his many associates and proper throughout the political spectrum.’
Additionally paying tribute former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described him as ‘an enormous determine in our politics’.
He wrote: ‘Whereas I disagreed with him on the constitutional query, there was no denying his ability in debate or his ardour for politics. Might he relaxation in peace.’
Alba normal secretary Chris McEleny shared his tribute to Salmond, writing: ‘Thanks for all of your classes, recommendation, steerage, mentorship, love and friendship. And thanks for every thing you probably did for Scotland.
‘For a few years you had been the daddy of the nation and for a number of years you have been a father like determine to me. Our dream will reside ceaselessly.’
Salmond led the Scottish Nationalist Occasion between 1990 and 2000, after which once more between 2004 and 2014. On this time he led the nation’s battle for nationalism with the ‘Sure Scotland’ marketing campaign.
He resigned after the ‘Sure Scotland’ marketing campaign was defeated, forming the Alba occasion in 2021.
In a press release, chief of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar paid tribute to his former political opponent, calling him ‘a towering determine’.
He mentioned: ‘The unhappy information of Alex Salmond’s passing at present will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, throughout the UK and past.
‘Our ideas are together with his household and associates at this tough time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I provide our honest condolences to all who will likely be mourning his loss.
‘Alex was a central determine in politics for over three a long time and his contribution to the Scottish political panorama can’t be overstated.
‘It’s proper that we recognise Alex’s service to our nation as First Minister and to the communities he represented as each MP and MSP. A towering determine.’
Kenny MacAskill, Alba Occasion deputy chief, mentioned that Alex Salmond ‘was the excellent Scottish politician not simply of his technology however for generations far earlier than. Recognised at residence and revered overseas’.
Alex Salmond may be seen smiling cheerfully within the middle of what’s believed to be his final photograph alongside his Alba Occasion chair Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who’s carrying a tartan gown
Alex Salmond launches the Sure marketing campaign from a cinema in Edinburgh in 2012
Former MSP Alex Salmond kicks off ALBA Lothian marketing campaign with ALBA Lothian Candidates in Edinburgh
He added: ‘He was not only a grasp political tactician however strategist. But additionally a politician who was an excellent debater and orator. However one who equally possessed extraordinary allure and a standard contact which endeared him to so many in Scotland.
‘His document speaks for itself in moulding the trendy SNP, forming the primary independence administration and delivering each an unprecedented Holyrood majority and a referendum on independence. His legacy lives on and has benefited Scotland immensely with infrastructure and different social and financial beneficial properties testifying to that.
‘The actions of people and later administrations undoubtedly took their toll upon him. Courts will nonetheless rightly determine upon the actions of people whose behaviour in the direction of him was deplorable and shameful.
‘However he had but once more risen to the challenges he had confronted. Forging a media profession and establishing the Alba Occasion, laying the groundwork for making certain independence remained on the agenda and {that a} route to realize it may as soon as once more be discovered.
‘The occasion grieves the lack of their founder and chief. Our ideas are with Moira and his household.
‘However the dream he cherished so intently and got here so near delivering won’t ever die.’
Salmond, the primary SNP politician to function First Minister, was elected in 2007 on a minority authorities earlier than successful the one Holyrood majority in 2011.
Over the course of his profession he took the SNP from the fringes of Scottish politics within the Nineteen Eighties to probably the most dominant occasion within the nation.
Paying tribute to their former chief at present, the occasion mentioned: ‘His management introduced the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Authorities. He was a titan of the independence motion. Our ideas are with Moira and his household.’
And former First Minister Humza Yousaf added: ‘Alex and I clearly had our variations in the previous few years, however there is not any doubt concerning the monumental contribution he made to Scottish & UK politics.
‘In addition to serving to to remodel the SNP into the dominant political pressure it’s at present. My condolences to his household and associates.’
His former college additionally paid tribute. An announcement posted by the College of St Andrews mentioned: ‘Our sympathies are with the household of Alex Salmond tonight, an enormous determine in Scottish and UK public life and at all times a proud @univstandrews alumnus, pictured right here (left) with Winnie Ewing (centre) in 1977 in St Andrews.’
Salmond led the Scottish Nationalist Occasion between 1990 and 2000, after which once more between 2004 and 2014. Pictured: With spouse Moira in 2020
Former chief of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross added: ‘Whereas we had opposing political beliefs, he was a towering determine in Scottish politics which he dominated for a few years.
‘My ideas are with Moira and his household and associates at this tough time.’
Whereas one other former chief of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson described him as a ‘bigger than life determine’.
She wrote: ‘Shocked to listen to of Alex Salmond’s sudden demise. Even after workplace, he was a bigger than life determine.
‘My honest sympathies go to Moira and the broader household. We disagreed on virtually every thing, however I at all times revered his mind and political nous.’
They’ve been adopted by an emotional outpouring of grief for the previous SNP chief, with Perth and Kinross-shire MP saying he ‘cannot imagine that Alex will not be with us’, whereas SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East Gillian Martin added that he was ‘an ever current determine in Scottish politics who made an enormous distinction.’
Former Labour chief and MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn referred to as Salmond a ‘formidable, decided and principled to his core’.
He wrote: ‘Very unhappy to listen to of Alex Salmond’s passing.
‘He was formidable, decided and principled to his core. We are going to miss his tenacity and humour most.
‘My ideas are together with his household and associates in Scotland and world wide.’
Chief of Reform UK Nigel Farage wrote: ‘Alex Salmond was a really participating determine who may discuss to anybody. He made Scottish nationalism a pressure.’
Former MP Joanna Cherry KC wrote: ‘I’m devastated to listen to that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the crucial gifted politicians of his technology, and, by any measure, the best First Minister our nation has had. He modified the face of Scottish politics.
‘Sadly, he was ailing utilized by a few of his former comrades, and I’m sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall keep in mind him as an inspiration and a loyal good friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his household, and all who beloved him.’
Tory MP Tom Tugendhat posted: ‘Alex Salmond was a towering determine who formed our politics for a technology. He won’t be forgotten. My condolences to his household and associates.’
Baroness Laing of Elderslie wrote: ‘That is surprising information about Alex Salmond. Though I profoundly disagreed together with his nationalist rules, on a private degree I counted him as a good friend. He was an excellent orator, a intelligent politician and excellent firm. We are going to all miss him enormously.’
Deputy Chief of Reform UK, Richard Tice mentioned he was ‘shocked and saddened’ saying Salmond had ‘grow to be a a lot revered good friend lately’.
He posted: ‘A titan of Scottish politics, he had an enormous character and charisma, in addition to being an excellent orator. Deepest condolences to his household and associates’.
Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond was born in Linlithgow on Hogmanay in 1954, the second of 4 youngsters to Robert Fyfe Findlay Salmond and Mary Stewart Salmond.
His mother and father had been civil servants, and have been described as ‘small n’ nationalists: individuals who had been happy with Scotland, its historical past and traditions, however didn’t essentially help independence.
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and Scotland followers are pictured in Munich as Scotland received able to compete within the 2024 UEFA European Soccer Championship, in June
ALBA Occasion chief Alex Salmond launching the ALBA Lothian marketing campaign for the Scottish Parliamentary election in April
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond with Sure Scotland’s chairman, Dennis Canavan on the Vote Sure marketing campaign path in Stirling in 2014
As a schoolboy he stood for classroom election – campaigning to switch the college milk with ice cream.
He additionally realised he had a knack for public efficiency when he turned a boy soprano.
In 2011 he instructed Desert Island Discs he ‘by no means suffered nerves as a boy’ and mentioned: ‘If you happen to can sing in entrance of hundreds of individuals once you’re ten or 11 then being Scottish First Minister is nothing compared.’
After faculty Salmond studied a joint diploma in economics and historical past on the College of St Andrews.
At college in 1973 he had a row together with his English girlfriend who was the secretary of the St Andrews College Labour Membership over the occasion’s dedication to Scotland.
She reportedly instructed him: ‘If you happen to really feel like that, go and be part of the bloody SNP.’
Salmond rapidly did.
After commencement he adopted his mother and father into the civil service and have become an assistant economist within the Division of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland in 1978.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond campaigns for a Sure vote in east Edinburgh, Scotland, 10 September 2014
Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond attends the launch of ALBA’s nationwide marketing campaign, in Ellon, Scotland in 2021
Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland takes half in a reside tv debate by the BBC within the Kelvingrove Artwork Galleries in Glasgow in 2014
In 1980, he started his seven-year profession with the Royal Financial institution of Scotland as an assistant economist earlier than being appointed oil economist in 1982 and royal financial institution economist in 1985.
Whereas there his boss was Moira McGlashan who was from a historically conservative background. Though she was 17 years his senior at 43, the couple had been married in 1981.
A number of years after becoming a member of the SNP he performed a distinguished position within the breakaway ’79 Group which took a republican left-wing stance and criticised the SNP management.
The transfer earned Salmond a short expulsion from the occasion in 1982, one thing he later put all the way down to being a ‘brash younger man’.
Regardless of this the rising star gained the Westminster seat of Banff and Buchan in 1987.
He rapidly made a reputation for himself after getting banned from the Commons chamber for every week after interrupting the Chancellor’s Price range speech to protest in opposition to the ballot tax.
Inside simply three years, he turned the SNP’s chief, defeating the favorite Margaret Ewing.
All through the Nineteen Nineties Salmond’s management remodeled the SNP into a contemporary, social democratic occasion with a Scottish nationalistic flavour.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond arrives together with his spouse Moira on the Piper Alpha catastrophe twentieth anniversary memorial service on the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting, in Aberdeen, 2008
r Alex Salmond and Scottish actor Alan Cumming applaud through the launch of the ‘YES’ marketing campaign for Scottish independence in Edinburgh, 2012
He finally stood down in 2000 after a sequence of fall-outs with different occasion leaders, however took cost once more in 2004 with the comparatively unknown Nicola Sturgeon as his deputy.
The SNP narrowly gained the 2007 Holyrood election and shaped a minority authorities.
Throughout his years as First Minister Salmond turned a robust pressure all through Scotland and a family title throughout the UK.
He was additionally pragmatic, constructing shut relationships with leaders of huge enterprise akin to Stagecoach boss Brian Souter, golf developer Donald Trump and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
BBC political editor Nick Robinson described him as ‘the canniest political operator in these isles’.
However his political demeanor was typically smug and combative, which some analysts imagine was the explanation for his poor polling amongst feminine voters.
All through his premiership he would do little detailed coverage work and was attacked by his opponents for being ‘presidential’.
Nonetheless Salmond remained fashionable and was capable of join with the voters by a fatherly allure and charisma on the marketing campaign path.
Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland and Alistair Darling chairman of Higher Collectively participate in a reside tv debate by the BBC in 2014
Outdoors of politics Salmond loved horse racing, and would even provide his punditry to TV exhibits and newspapers sometimes.
He was additionally a eager golfer, telling Desert Island Discs his luxurious merchandise could be a sand wedge and limitless golf balls.
His soccer workforce was the Edinburgh-based Coronary heart of Midlothian FC, and he was a eager reader and admirer of the works of Scottish nationwide poet Robert Burns.
Salmond was identified for loving a drink – particularly wine and spirits – and consuming curries. He had a choice of favorite eating places and inns all through Scotland and was famend for being a enjoyable dinner visitor.
All through Salmond’s time as First Minister his protégé Sturgeon praised his political instance.
The pair’s relationship irreversibly broke down in 2018 when he confronted 13 costs together with tried rape and a sequence of sexual assaults, together with one with intent to rape.
He was cleared of all costs by a jury following an 11-day trial on the Excessive Court docket in Edinburgh.
The SNP later apologised for appointing an investigating officer who had ‘prior involvement’ in his case after he took profitable authorized motion.
In March 2021 Salmond launched the Alba Occasion, which recruited quite a lot of disaffected SNP politicians and activists to its ranks.
The occasion has failed to date to elect a candidate to workplace and has remained on the fringes.
