'He was a great friend of the Scottish Borders': Former council leader pays tribute to Alex Salmond
Former local authority leader David Parker has described Alex Salmond as "a great friend of the Scottish Borders", as tributes continue to pour in for the former First Minister following his death at the weekend.
The Leaderdale and Melrose councillor says the former SNP leader "played a very significant part" in the reopening of the Borders Railway, and helped make sure the region became the permanent home of the Great Tapestry of Scotland.
"He fought passionately for the Borders Railway," Councillor Parker told Greatest Hits Radio. "But, more importantly, when we opened the Borders Railway, he worked tirelessly - along with myself at that time, as leader of the council - to deliver the ten million pounds Borders blueprints - the first time any such economic investment happened on the back of a major infrastructure project.
"Alec did much for the Scottish Borders, many things that people will never know about. He was always a tremendous friend of our region - both before he became First Minister and then once he was First Minister. And many things he did he never wanted credit for.
"The Borders and Scotland has lost a true friend, and a great man; and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.
"I know a huge number of people in Scotland will recognise and respect his incredible political ability, which took the SNP from a fringe party to an incredible electoral success story. Scotland has lost a favourite son."
The family of Alex Salmond have also paid tribute to the former MP and MSP, describing him as a "formidable politician" and "a devoted and loving husband".
Mr Salmond, who led the SNP before later founding the Alba party, died on Saturday afternoon from a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia.
He had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.
Alex Salmond's niece, Christina Hendry, who hails from Hawick, has described her Uncle as "the most incredible man". And she says the messages the family have received over the weekend show how much he was loved.
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The Alba Youth Co-Convener said: "He was intelligent and quick-witted and always one step ahead. He was also extremely kind and thoughtful, and made time for each and every single person he met. He brought out the best in people and had a generosity of spirit.
"Uncle Alec cared so passionately about Scotland - the culture, the history and the people - he made independence for Scotland his life's work, and he will never be forgotten.
"No matter how busy he was, he always made time for family. To the world he was many things, to me and my siblings and cousins, he was always - first and foremost - Uncle Alec." And she added: "We will not stop until we finish what he started."
Local Conservative MP John Lamont has also taken to social media to pay tribute. He said: "This is very sad news. Whilst we had significant political differences, I recognise his great skill as a politician. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, particularly those in Hawick and the Borders."
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