FORMER Scotland first minister and current Alba Party leader Alex Salmond has died, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum.
The 69-year-old who passed away on Saturday was giving a speech in North Macedonia earlier in the morning.
Former and current party leaders across the UK and his former depute Nicola Sturgeon have also shared statements.
Alba general secretary Chris McEleny shared a tribute to Salmond, writing: "Thank you for all your lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship. And thank you for everything you did for Scotland.
"For many years you were the father of the nation and for several years you’ve been a father like figure to me. Our dream will live forever."
McEleny shared the below photograph of the pair campaigning.
Alba MSP Ash Regan shared online: "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."
Kenny MacAskill (below), Alba Party deputy leader, said that Alex Salmond “was the outstanding Scottish politician not just of his generation but for generations far before. Recognised at home and respected abroad”.
He 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.
“His record speaks for itself in moulding the modern SNP, forming the first independence administration and delivering both an unprecedented Holyrood majority and a referendum on independence. His legacy lives on and has benefited Scotland immensely with infrastructure and other social and economic gains testifying to that.
“The actions of individuals and later administrations undoubtedly took their toll upon him. Courts will still rightly decide upon the actions of individuals whose behaviour towards him was deplorable and shameful.
“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.
MacAskill added: “The party grieves the loss of their founder and leader. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.
“But the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die.”
Independence campaign group Believe in Scotland sent condolences to Salmond’s family and friends and described him as “a giant of the movement and the politician of his generation”.
Elsewhere, Europe for Scotland shared a statement, writing: “The sudden death of Alex Salmond is sending shockwaves across Scotland and Europe.
“We send our heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to his family and to the many who mourn his early departure, including his friends in the Alba party.”
Journalist, broadcaster and independence campaigner Lesley Riddoch said it was " terrible, shocking news", adding: "Without Alex Salmond, Scots would not have had the taste of independence or developed the wind industry that Tories blindly vetoed down south. Alex Salmond was hugely important to Scotland.
"Commiserations to his family and all in Alba."
Welsh independence group Yes Cymru shared a statement online, writing: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Alex Salmond, a towering figure in Scottish and UK politics. His leadership and unwavering commitment to the principle of self-determination inspired many in Scotland and beyond, including those in Wales who went on to form Yes Cymru following the Scottish independence referendum campaign in 2014.
"His work paved the way for countless people to envision a future where their nations could thrive on their own terms. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The leader of Basque independence party EH Bildu Arnaldo Otegi said: "Shocked by the news of Alex Salmond's sudden death today after giving a speech. My condolences to his widow. His fight for Scotland and freedom will live on. The dream shall never die."
Former Scottish Government special adviser Kevin Pringle described his "shock" and said it was "desperately sad that Alex should have been taken so soon, still in his sixties".
He added: "My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Moira, Alex's sisters and brother and the whole family at this awful time. 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."
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said it was "impossible" to overstate the impact made by Salmond on Scotland and politics.
He added: "He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family and loved ones at this time."
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said: “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.
“Our thoughts are with you. Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”
Economist and campaigner Richard Murphy shared: "I knew Alex Salmond, enough to chat every few months, sometimes at length, and I enjoyed doing so. He, like all of us, was a flawed human being, but he gave his all to Scotland, and Scotland was better for it.
"RIP Alex. I’ll miss you."
