The King has led tributes to former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond who has died aged 69.
Mr Salmond, who led the country between 2007 and 2014 during the independence referendum, became ill while in North Macedonia.
The BBC reports Mr Salmond collapsed after delivering a speech at an international conference on Saturday.
The King said he was “greatly saddened” to hear of the sudden death of Mr Salmond.
King Charles said in a message issued by Buckingham Palace: “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.”
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the Scottish politician, calling him a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.
The Prime Minister 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.
“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.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney added: “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 first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death.
“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.
“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”
My statement on the sudden passing of former First Minister Alex Salmond. pic.twitter.com/i3bK0cgJh1
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) October 12, 2024
Paying tribute Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar described Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.He wrote in a post on X: “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.
Mr Sarwar added that Mr Salmond’s “contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated”.
He continued: “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.”
Meanwhile, former prime minister Boris Johnson said Mr Salmond was “one of the great political disruptors of the age” and “the father of modern Scottish nationalism”.
Paying tribute, Mr 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.”
Rishi Sunak described Mr Salmond was a “huge figure in our politics”.
In a tribute posted on X, Mr Sunak added: “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.”
Mr Salmond resigned from the SNP in 2008 and later formed the pro-independence Alba Party in 2021.
He was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
Kenny MacAskill, 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.
“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.”
