Tributes continue to pour in from the Highlands and Moray following the death of Alex Salmond

Tributes have 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 in 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 Saturday at age 69.

His sudden death prompted tributes from all corners of political life, in Scotland, the UK and beyond, with the likes of MSP Fergus Ewing doing a full tribute last night.

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

Kate Forbes, who is the current Deputy First Minister and 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 in shock tonight, and my thoughts are with Moira, her wider family and her closest friends.

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

“He was a major figure in both Holyrood and Westminster for decades, and while I agreed with little of his politics, there is no doubting his commitment to the causes and constituents he served, and of the influence it has had on Scottish political life.

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

Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, based in Moray and an MSP for the Highlands and Islands list, added: “Alex Salmond had a huge impact in the North East and across the country.

“Although we had opposing political views, he was a major figure in Scottish politics who dominated for many years.

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

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

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

Scottish Conservative List MSP TIm Eagle posted: “I was shocked to hear of the sudden death 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 all who knew him.”

The current Prime Minister, John Swinney, who was the deputy of Mr. Salmond during his first spell as leader of the SNP and then replacing him as party leader in 2000, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of the former Prime Minister. Alex Salmond and I send our deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and his family.

“Over many years, Alex made an enormous 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 for its independence.”

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

Among them was Alastair Campbell, a former chief adviser to former Labor prime minister Tony Blair, who posted a picture on Twitter of him and Alex Salmond meeting in 2014, adding: “Knowing Alex Salmond in Aberdeen in 2014 when he asked me to be part of a transition team towards independence.

“That he didn’t make it in life was not for lack of trying, and while the last years of his life were marred by scandal and division, he was a historic figure for the RIP.”

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