Former First Minister and Aberdeenshire politician Alex Salmond dies aged 69
Former First Minister Alex Salmond has died at the age of 69.
Previously the representative for Aberdeenshire East, Salmond became First Minister in 2007 and held the position until 2014 when he was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon.
The Scottish nationalist stalwart had been giving a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday morning.
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Alex Salmond, 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.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute following the news of his passing, saying he was "a central figure in politics for over three decades."
In a statement, Mr 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.”
Former Prime Minsiter and Conservative leader Rishi Sunak posted on X: “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.”
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Twice the leader of the SNP, Salmond led the Yes movement during the 2014 independence referendum, with the country narrowly voting to remain part of the union.
He resigned following the referendum defeat, before going on to represent the Gordon seat as an MP for two years, with Sturgeon replacing him as First Minister unopposed.
In 2017 he went on to join the TV channel Russia Today, before resigning from the SNP a year later while facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
Salmond's relationship with Sturgeon broke down in the years after the Conservatives regained the Gordon seat, with the former First Minister launching the Alba Party in 2021.
The 69-year-old had recently spent time in Germany with the Tartan Army as Scotland took part in the Euro 2024 tournament.