The death of former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond shocked the political world

The current Alba leader died on Saturday afternoon at the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy forum in the North Macedonian seaside resort of Ohrid, confirmed Chris McEleny, the party’s general secretary.

Mr Salmond was First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and leader of the SNP twice, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

Contemporaries from across the political spectrum expressed their condolences and dismay at his death.

Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney was among politicians who paid tribute to Mr Salmond, saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by his “untimely death”.

Mr Swinney said: “Over many years Alex has 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. He led the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government, bringing Scotland close to independence.

“There will be much more opportunity for reflection in the coming days, but today all our thoughts are with Alex’s family and his many friends from across the political spectrum.”

Sir Keir Starmer called Mr Salmond a “monumental figure in Scottish and British politics” for more than 30 years who “leaves a lasting legacy”.

The Prime Minister said: “As First Minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented over his long tenure as an MP and MSP.”

Alba deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said the party “mourns the loss of its founder and leader” but that “the dream he cherished and came so close to will never die.”

Mr MacAskill praised the party leader as a “master political tactician” and strategist as well as an “outstanding debater and speaker” and someone who had “extraordinary charm and a common touch that endeared him to so many in Scotland”.

Alba MP Ash Regan called it “a tour de force of politics that brought us close to independence”.

“Alex made the nation believe in itself,” she posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who succeeded Mr Salmond, said she was “shocked and sorry” to learn of his death.

Mr Salmond founded his rival Scottish independence party Alba in 2021 after his relationship with his successor Ms Sturgeon collapsed.

“Of course I cannot pretend that the events of the last few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen and it would not be right for me to try,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“However, the fact remains that Alex was an incredibly important figure in my life for many years. He was my mentor and for over a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in British politics.

“Alex modernized the SNP and led us into government for the first time. He became Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paved the way for the 2014 referendum that brought Scotland to the brink of independence.

Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar said he had been “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak posted on X: “Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. Even though I disagreed with him on the constitutional issue, his debating skills and passion for politics were undeniable. May he rest in peace.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay called him a “formidable and formidable politician who has left a lasting impact on our country”.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It cannot be overstated the impact Alex Salmond has had on Scotland and our politics.”

“He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be sorely missed by many.”

Mr Salmond resigned as First Minister after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum resulted in a 55% to 45% majority in favor of remaining in the UK.