Alex Salmond ‘left a footprint on Scottish politics’, says Swinney

Following news of his death, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Salmond as a “monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics”.

Salmond’s successor as First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said he was his mentor and that “for more than a decade we have formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics”.

King Charles said he and the Queen were “very saddened” to learn of Salmond’s sudden death, adding: “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

Salmond led the pro-independence side before the referendum in 2014 and resigned as first minister after Scottish voters backed remaining in the United Kingdom by 55% to 45%.

He led the SNP to power when it won elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2007, having previously been the party’s leader between 1990 and 2000.

Salmond, Scotland’s first pro-independence First Minister, then led the SNP to an unprecedented majority in elections four years later – which paved the way for the referendum to be held.

Under his leadership, the Scottish Government also introduced popular policies, including free NHS prescriptions and free university fees for Scottish students.

After stepping down as prime minister, he had a spectacular row with Sturgeon over her government’s handling of harassment complaints against him.

Salmond was also cleared of serious sexual offense charges following a trial in Edinburgh in 2020.

After leaving the SNP, Salmond created an alternative independence-supporting party called Alba, of which he was leader.

He also hosted his own show on controversial Russian broadcaster RT, but suspended it following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.