FIGURES from across the SNP have paid tribute to their former leader Alex Salmond following his death on Saturday.
Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
He stood down as party leader following the independence campaign's defeat in 2014, and later resigned.
The SNP shared a graphic on its social media channels which read: "His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government"
Adding: "He was a titan of the independence movement. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family."
🏴 Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, has died. His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government. He was a titan of the independence movement. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family. pic.twitter.com/RRz1A8iGTz
— The SNP (@theSNP) October 12, 2024
First Minister John Swinney shared his "shock" at Salmond's "untimely death".
He said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.
"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 and right across the political spectrum."
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes shared the news online, writing: "It is impossible to process the news of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.
"The impact he had on Scotland, our party and the independence movement was monumental. Like me, many will be in shock tonight, and my thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his closest friends."
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn shared a picture (below) of Salmond protesting the poll tax in Aberdeen with his tribute.
Flynn wrote the caption: "Alex Salmond shaped not just the modern story of the SNP, but of Scotland as a whole. For many of us who joined the path to independence, we did so on a route that he had carved.
"I am immeasurably sad that Alex has not lived to see us reach the end of that journey."
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "It is impossible to process the news of the sudden death of Alex Salmond. The impact he had on Scotland, our party and the independence movement was monumental. Like me, many will be in shock tonight, and my thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his closest friends."
Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford reflected on his relationship with Salmond, writing: "I have known Alex since the later 1970s, we were colleagues together in the 79 Group and worked next door to each other when we were in the banking industry in St Andrew Square in Edinburgh.
"His larger than life character and cheeky chappie personality with a large dose of bonhomie was the Alex I knew as a young man and the political figure that grew to lead the SNP as well as the independence movement.
"To put it mildly, Alex could be forceful in his views and as many will tell it being on the other side of an argument with him was an experience. I and others, political colleagues or foes alike, had differences with Alex.
"Having had those differences Alex being Alex these were arguments were typically left in the past. He did not harbour grudges and I found his encouragement and advice as a fellow parliamentarian when we were together in Westminster helpful.
"Whether it was coalescing on the thrust of our political arguments of the day or on matters of constituency casework Alex was there as a friend to help."
He added: "Alex shaped the modern SNP, but of course the last few years saw a parting of the waves. Whilst these turn of events have had their own impact on Alex’s story and that of the SNP, it is important we reflect, acknowledge and thank Alex for his part in building the modern SNP.
"There is no doubt that Alex’s strength of character and personality were critical in the SNP achieving electoral success."
Former MSP and SNP president Michael Russell said: "Very saddened to hear of Alex’s death.
"Despite our recent disagreements I remain in awe of his huge political gifts and massive achievements. He leaves an indelible mark on his country and his cause for which no one could have done more. Cathleen and I are thinking of Moira tonight"
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC wrote: "I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.
"Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him."
SNP MSP for Moray Richard Lochhead wrote: "I’m shocked to learn that we have lost Alex Salmond - for so many years my mentor, boss and huge influence in my life. Most importantly he was a giant of Scotland, our story and transformed the SNP and got us closer than ever to independence. My deepest condolences to Moira and family."
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan shared online: "Very sorry to hear this news - and that Alec appears not to have passed away in his beloved Scotland. Condolences to Moira and the wider family."
Former SNP MP Douglas Chapman wrote: "Suspected Alex had not been in the best of health for some time. This news is beyond sad for more reasons I can contemplate right now. Sincere condolences to Moira and his family. Our dream will never die."
SNP MSP and Finance Secretary Shona Robinson said: "I’m very sorry to hear the news of Alex’s passing. My thoughts and condolences are with Moira and Alex’s family. He was without doubt a giant in Scottish politics and beyond."
