Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
He served as First Minister from 2007 to 2014
Last updated 13th Oct 2024
The former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has died aged 69.
Mr Salmond served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
He led Scotland to the 2014 independence referendum, resigning after the country decided to remain part of the UK by 55% to 45%.
Most recently he had been leading the Alba Party.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his shock in a statement posted to social media, saying that he "worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence".
He added: I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond, and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.
“Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life - not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond."
Continuing, he said: "Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.
“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family and his many friends right across the political spectrum.”
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who served as Alex Salmond's deputy between 2007 and 2014, has offered her condolences to his family in a statement.
She said: "I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death.
"Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.
"However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life.
"He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.
"Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.
"He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Mr Salmond was "a central figure in politics for over three decades".
In a statement, Mr Sarwar said: "The sad news of Alex Salmond's passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.
"Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated."
In a statement, Scottish Conservative Leader Russell Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.
“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.
“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also released his own tribute.
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Alex Salmond, who has died suddenly, calling him a "monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics" who "leaves behind a lasting legacy".