Alex Salmond, Scotland's first SNP prime minister, has died instantly aged 69, stunning the world of politics the place he was a number one determine for many years.
The present Alba chief died on Saturday afternoon on the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy discussion board within the seaside resort of Ohrid in North Macedonia, confirmed Chris McEleny, the get together's basic secretary.
Mr Salmond was First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and chief of the SNP twice, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
Contemporaries throughout the political spectrum expressed their condolences and shock at his demise, which apparently occurred over lunch in a crowded room.
Mr Salmond had spoken on the occasion and the get together stated it understood he had suffered a coronary heart assault, though there can be a autopsy to verify the reason for demise.
I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the premature demise of former First Minister Alex Salmond and lengthen my deepest condolences to Alex's spouse Moira and his household. (1/three)
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) October 12, 2024
Scotland's First Minister and SNP chief John Swinney was amongst politicians who paid tribute to Mr Salmond, saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by his “premature demise”.
Mr Swinney stated: “Over a few years Alex has made an enormous contribution to political life – not simply in Scotland however throughout the UK and past.”
“Alex labored tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the nation he beloved and for its independence. He led the Scottish Nationwide Occasion from the fringes of Scottish politics into authorities, bringing Scotland near independence.
“There might be rather more alternative for reflection within the coming days, however right now all our ideas are with Alex's household and his many pals from throughout the political spectrum.”
Sir Keir Starmer known as Mr Salmond a “monumental determine in Scottish and British politics” for greater than 30 years who “leaves a long-lasting legacy”.
Alex Salmond was a distinguished determine in Scottish and British politics for greater than 30 years. He leaves a long-lasting legacy.
My ideas are with those that knew him, his household and his family members.
On behalf of the British Authorities, I want to specific our condolences to them right now. pic.twitter.com/LV70WrXHlD
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 12, 2024
The Prime Minister stated: “As First Minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland's heritage, historical past and tradition, in addition to the communities he represented over his lengthy tenure as an MP and MSP.”
Alba deputy chief Kenny MacAskill stated the get together “mourns the lack of its founder and chief” however that “the dream he cherished and got here so near won’t ever die.”
Mr MacAskill praised the get together chief as a “grasp political tactician” and strategist in addition to an “excellent debater and speaker” and somebody who had “extraordinary appeal and a typical contact that endeared him to so many in Scotland”.
Alba MSP Ash Regan known as it “a tour de pressure of politics that introduced us near independence”.
“Alex made the nation imagine in itself,” she posted on X, previously Twitter.
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who succeeded Mr Salmond, stated she was “shocked and sorry” to study of his demise.
Mr Salmond based his rival Scottish independence get together Alba in 2021 after his relationship together with his successor Ms Sturgeon collapsed.
“In fact I can’t fake that the occasions of the previous couple of years that led to the breakdown of our relationship didn’t occur and it wouldn’t be proper for me to strive,” Ms Sturgeon stated.
“Nonetheless, the very fact stays that Alex was an extremely necessary determine in my life for a few years. He was my mentor and for over a decade we fashioned one of the profitable partnerships in British politics.
“Alex modernized the SNP and led us into authorities for the primary time. He grew to become Scotland's fourth First Minister and paved the best way for the 2014 referendum that introduced Scotland to the brink of independence.
Scottish Labor chief Anas Sarwar stated he had been “a central determine in politics for over three many years”.
Conservative chief Rishi Sunak posted on X: “Alex Salmond was an enormous determine in our politics. Though I disagreed with him on the constitutional concern, his debating abilities and fervour for politics have been simple. Could he relaxation in peace.”
Alex Salmond was an enormous determine in our politics. Though I disagreed with him on the constitutional concern, his debating abilities and fervour for politics have been simple. Could he relaxation in peace.
– Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 12, 2024
Scottish Conservative chief Russell Findlay known as him a “formidable and spectacular politician who has left a long-lasting impression on our nation”.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray stated: “It can’t be overstated the impression Alex Salmond has had on Scotland and our politics.”
“He served the nation he beloved as First Minister and might be sorely missed by many.”
Mr Salmond resigned as First Minister after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum resulted in a 55% to 45% majority in favor of remaining within the UK.
His final submit on X, shortly earlier than his demise, ended with “Scotland is a rustic, not a county.”