Former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond has died aged 69

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

Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Mr Salmond, calling him a “monumental figure” in the political world.

The Prime Minister said: “For over 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics. He leaves a lasting legacy.

“As First Minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented over many years as an MP and MSP.

“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the British government, I offer our condolences today.”

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak said Mr Salmond was a “big figure in our politics”.

In a may he rest in peace.”

Former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said Mr Salmond helped make the SNP a “dominant political force”.

Mr Yousaf, SNP leader from 2023 to 2024, added: “Alex and I have obviously had differences in recent years, but there is no doubt about the huge contribution he has made to Scottish and British politics.

“It also helps make the SNP the dominant political force it is today.”

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

In a statement, Mr Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s death today will come as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.”

“Alex has been a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”