Former leader of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Tributes have flooded in for former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, who has died aged 69.

- TARA COBHAM, ARCHIE MITCHELL

The Alba Party leader, who served as Scotland's first minister between 2007 and 2014, passed away yesterday after giving a speech in North Macedonia.

Describing his death as “sudden” and “a shock”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

Mr Sarwar said: “His contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated. It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as first minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”

He added: “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.”

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer led tributes to the titan of Scottish politics, saying: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

“As first minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service. My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.”

And leader of the opposition Rishi Sunak said: “Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”

Tributes to Mr Salmond – who was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014 – have come from across the political spectrum.