Alex Salmond: Flags lowered as allies reveal 'heartbreak'

Holyrood's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said flags on the Scottish Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect at his passing.

Mr Salmond, a lifelong champion of the independence cause, was giving a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday and passed away shortly after the event.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry described Mr Salmond as the "finest First Minister" Scotland had had.

In a statement his close friend Fergus Ewing, the SNP MSP Inverness and Nairn, said: "Like so many people in Scotland today I am devastated by this tragic news. Above all, my thoughts are with Moira and the family now.

"Alex was, without question, the towering figure and greatest leader in the history of the independence movement. It was an enormous privilege to work with him closely for the last three decades.    

"He very nearly took our country to independence. He was feared by political opponents more than anyone - then or since.

"But also, almost uniquely, he won respect and admiration from many of those who disagreed,  and over the past three years in particular it is my view that more and more people recognised that he was the most effective leader and First Minister that the SNP has ever had.  He reached out to all of the people in Scotland.

"He built up trust and confidence with the people of Scotland more than anyone before or since.     

"I will miss him  - and miss him more than any words have the ability to convey. To his true friends, he showed ,unstinting loyalty.  And it is a great honour for me to say that  I was his friend.

"There is a lot more to be said one day - but not this day. " 

Mr Salmond delivered the eulogy at the funeral of Mr Ewing's mother Winnie Ewing, the legendary SNP politician, who died last year.

Sir Keir said: “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.

Former First Minister Alex Salmond visiting the former Herald and Times building: (Image: Colin Mearns)

“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.”

John Swinney, who worked with Mr Salmond in the SNP for around three decades, said he was "deeply shocked and saddened". 

In a statement the First Minister 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.

“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.”

Former Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf said Mr Salmond helped turn the SNP into a “dominant political force”.

Mr Yousaf, SNP leader from 2023 to 2024, added: “Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there’s no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish and UK politics.”

Former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish, who was close to Mr Salmond despite their political differences, also spoke warmly of his friend and shock to hear of his passing.

Alex Salmond and David Cameron sign the Edinburgh Agreement in 2012 (Image: Newsquest)

"I am very shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Alex Salmond and would like to extend my condolences to his wife Moira," he told The Herald.

"Alex had a formidable parliamentary career and despite what you think of independence, he brought Scotland to within a few hundred thousand votes of becoming independence, and possibly more persuading a UK Prime Minister to hold a referendum."

He added: "He was a formidable party leader, combative, strident at times and with loads of ability, a natural politician.

READ MORE: Alex Salmond obit: The master tactician who reshaped Scottish politics

"It could be said the fortunes of the SNP dipped when he stood down as leader in 2014. Only recently at the Edinburgh Fringe festival I was involved along with David Davis in Alex's show the Eyes Have It.

"Scotland has lot a politicians of stature and ability and I am sure there will be many who will mourn his passsing.

"Alex had still much to contribute to Scottish politics and his passing leaves a deep and significant fracture in the nationalist movement."

Former Labour First Minister Lord Jack McConnell said: "Alex Salmond was one of the most significant UK politicians of the last 30 years. He transformed the SNP from a fringe movement to a party of government and by doing so, changed British politics.

"He was a formidable opponent, and while he was often controversial there was never any doubt that he loved his country. Scotland has lost a consequential figure. My thoughts tonight are with his wife Moira and his many friends."

The Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone also paid tribute to the former First Minister.

"On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time," she said.

"Our thoughts are with you. Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect."

Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said Mr Salmond “was the outstanding Scottish politician not just of his generation but for generations far before”.

Mr MacAskill added: “He was not just a master political tactician but strategist. Yet also a politician who was a superb debater and orator. But one who equally possessed extraordinary charm and a common touch which endeared him to so many in Scotland.

“The actions of individuals and later administrations undoubtedly took their toll upon him.

“But he had yet again risen to the challenges he had faced. Forging a media career and establishing the Alba Party, laying the groundwork for ensuring independence remained on the agenda and that a route to achieve it could once again be found.”

Alba MSP Ash Regan wrote on X: "A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself. My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream."

Former SNP MSPs and MPs, and former party strategists also expressed their shock at the former First Minister's passing.

Ms Cherry, the former SNP MP for Edinburgh South West, 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."

Former SNP MSP Joan McAlpine wrote on X: "We know he was a political giant. But the Alex Salmond I knew was also a warm and caring human being. So funny and kind. Happy memories of him going out of his way for my two daughters and my late father, who adored him. No words beyond this. Heartbroken."

Kevin Pringle, who was a senior aide to Mr Salmond and was more recently a key advisor to former First Minister Humza Yousaf also expressed his grief.

"This is such a shock. It's desperately sad that Alex should have been taken so soon, still in his sixties. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Moira, Alex's sisters and brother and the whole family at this awful time," he wrote on X.

"It's hard to find the words in moments of grief but Alex was the pre-eminent builder of modern Scottish politics: a builder of the Scottish Parliament and builder of the case for independence - his life's work - that came as close as it did these ten years ago. Haste his body back to the country he loved."

Geoff Aberdein, who was Mr Salmond's chief of staff when he was First Minister, said: "A true giant of Scottish and UK politics has left us.

"For me personally so has a dear friend and mentor. I was privileged to stand alongside Alex Salmond for 10 years between 2004 and 2014, the most electrifying period in Scottish political discourse, and none of what the SNP achieved in those years would have been possible without him.

"Thank you Boss, you took a punt on me and I will be forever grateful. I can't begin to imagine the shock, grief and sadness felt by Moira and wider family just now, my thoughts and condolences are with them."

Opposition leaders at Holyrood told of their sadness at Mr Salmond's unexpected death.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex 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.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “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.

“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.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: "It is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics.

"He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace."