Family of Alex Salmond pay tribute to 'formidable politician'

Tributes have poured in for Alex Salmond after he died aged 69 from a suspected heart attack hours after giving a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday.

The former First Minister of Scotland, who led the Scottish National Party between 1990 and 2000 and then again between 2004 and 2014, was a prominent figure in the country's nationalist movement.

He resigned from the SNP in 2008 and later formed the pro-independence Alba Party in 2021.

The Alba party said it understood he had suffered a heart attack, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

In a statement released by The Alba Party on Sunday evening, Salmond's family said: “Alex was a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect, and admired throughout the world."

“He loved meeting people and hearing their stories, and showed incredible kindness to those who needed it.

“He dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland. His vision and enthusiasm for Scotland and the Yes movement were both inspirational and contagious.

“But to us, first and foremost, he was a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend.”

Commenting on the news of Salmond's passing, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said on Saturday: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all 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 sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.

“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated."

Meanwhile, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he is “deeply shocked and saddened” at Salmond's death, who he said “fought fearlessly” for Scottish independence.

“Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence. He took 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 much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family and his many friends right across the political spectrum.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Salmond a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” who “leaves behind a lasting legacy”.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said he was "shocked" and "saddened" to hear of Salmond’s sudden passing.

“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.

“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country."

Nicola Sturgeon, who succeeded Salmond as first minister of Scotland, said he was her “mentor”.

Ms Sturgeon added: “Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.”

Former prime minister Boris Johnson said Salmond was “one of the great political disruptors of the age” and “the father of modern Scottish nationalism”.

Paying tribute, Johnson added: “He was charismatic, clever, caustic and fearsome in debate.

“I am glad that he never succeeded in breaking up the union but very sad that he is gone.”

Tony Blair said he was “very sorry” to hear of Alex Salmond’s death. “Whatever our disagreements he was a huge figure in Scottish and UK politics and was clearly dedicated to Scotland and its people," he said.

King Charles also expressed his condolences, saying in a statement: "My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond."His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service."We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time."

Have you heard our podcast Talking Politics? Tom, Robert and Anushka dig into the biggest issues dominating the political agenda in every episode…