Alex Salmond death – latest: Starmer and SNP lead tributes for longtime Scottish first minister

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer has offered her condolences to Alex Salmond’s loved ones, as she announced that flags at the Scottish parliament have been lowered.

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.”

Former Scotland first minister Humza Yousaf has praised the “enormous contribution” Alex Salmond made to Scottish and UK politics.

In a post on X, Mr Yousaf said: “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. As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today.

“My condolences to his family and friends.”

The Scottish National Party has paid tribute to its former leader, describing him as “a titan of the independence movement”.

Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

In a post on X, the SNP said: “Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, has died.

“His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government.

“He was a titan of the independence movement.

“Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.”

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has paid tribute to Alex Salmond as a politician who “worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence”.

In a statement, Mr Swinney 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.

“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 and right across the political spectrum.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has said Alex Salmond will be remembered as a “formidable and impressive” politician.

In a statement, Mr 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 Secretary Ian Murray has said that “it is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics”.

Mr Murray continued: “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.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar praised Mr Salmond as “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.”

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Sir Keir Starmer has led the tributes pouring in for Alex Salmond, calling him a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.

The British 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.”