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Scotland’s First Minister has described Alex Salmond as a “very important” figure in Scottish and UK politics, joining The King and Succession star Brian Cox in paying tribute following his sudden death.

John Swinney praised the former Scottish leader’s work as an MSP, telling Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “He made a colossal contribution to Scottish politics.”

Mr Salmond died Saturday afternoon aged 69 from a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia.

Swinney credited Salmond with taking the SNP from the “extremities of Scottish politics to becoming the government of Scotland” and bringing the country “incredibly close” to independence with the referendum in 2014

In Ohrid, North Macedonia, a memorial service was held for Mr. Salmond attended by President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.

The former prime minister was in the country to attend and speak at the Forum of the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy. He is understood to have collapsed during lunch in a packed room after his speech.

Mark Donfried, director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, attended the conference and said Salmond seemed in “the best spirits” during the meal.

“Suddenly he came out and fell into the arms of a colleague of mine on the other side of the table”, he said.

“I immediately got up and ran to call an ambulance and when I came back, I was on the ground.

“We’re all completely shocked – the whole hotel, the conference, it’s been very difficult for everyone. We had a brief moment last night to reflect on his legacy.”