Tributes to Alex Salmond’s death continue to pour in from Highlands and Moray

Tributes continued to pour in from northern politicians across the political spectrum following the shocking death of former Prime Minister Alex Salmond.

Salmond – who led the SNP twice over a total of more than 20 years, was Prime Minister from 2007 to 2014 and led the Alba Party from 2021 until his death – died in North Macedonia on Saturday, at 69 years old.

His sudden death prompted tributes from all corners of political life, in Scotland, the United Kingdom and elsewhere, with the likes of MSP Fergus Ewing paying full tribute last night.

And those tributes continued to come in, with comments from several other MSPs based in the Highlands and Islands region.

Kate Forbes, who is the current Deputy First Minister and also MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch, said: “It is impossible to process the news of Alex Salmond’s sudden death. The impact he had on Scotland, our party and the independence movement was monumental.

“Like me, many will be left in shock tonight, and my thoughts are with Moira, her family and her closest friends.

Conservative list MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Jamie Halcro Johnston said: “I am shocked to hear of the death of Alex Salmond.

“He was a significant figure at both Holyrood and Westminster for decades, and although I have little agreement with his politics, there is no doubting his commitment to the causes and constituencies he served, nor the influence he has had on Scottish political life. .

“My thoughts are with Moira, her family, friends and former colleagues. And with the many people from across the Highlands and Islands region who knew Alex and who will feel a sense of loss at his death.”

Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who lives in Moray and is a List MSP for the Highlands and Islands, added: “Alex Salmond has made a huge impact in the North East and across the country.

“Although we held opposing political views, he was an imposing figure in Scottish politics, which he dominated for many years.

“My thoughts are with Moira and her family and friends at this difficult time.”

Elsewhere, SNP MSP for Moray, Richard Lochhead, paid tribute to his former “mentor and boss”.

He said: “I am shocked to learn that we have lost Alex Salmond – for so many years my mentor, boss and huge influence in my life. Most importantly, he was a giant for Scotland, our story transformed the SNP and brought us closer than ever to independence. My deepest condolences to Moira and family.

Scottish Conservative List MSP TIm Eagle posted: “Shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Alex Salmond. He had a huge impact on Scottish politics and fought passionately for what he believed in.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him.”

Current First Minister John Swinney, who was Salmond’s deputy during his first spell as SNP leader and later replaced him as party leader in 2000, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of the former first -minister. Alex Salmond and I extend our deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and his family.

“Over many years, Alex has made a huge contribution to political life – not just in Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country he loved and its independence.”

Figures from other political circles also commented on Salmond’s passing.

Among them was Alastair Campbell, former chief adviser to former Labor Prime Minister Tony Blair, who posted an image on Twitter of him and Alex Salmond meeting in 2014, adding: “Meeting Alex Salmond in Aberdeen in 2014 when He asked me to be part of a team transitioning to independence.

“The fact that this did not happen in his lifetime was not for lack of trying, and although the last years of his life were marked by scandal and division, he was a historic figure, RIP.”

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