Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor’ and political titan Alex Salmond

Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to her “mentor” and political titan Alex Salmond following his death aged 69.

The pair had a troubled relationship in recent years but had worked closely together taking the SNP to power and during the 2014 independence referendum.

Salmond was one of the biggest figures in modern Scottish politics – he had been the country’s first minister for seven-and-a-half years and led the SNP for two decades.

Sturgeon served her political apprenticeship during Salmond’s first term as leader and was his deputy for a decade before taking over as First Minister herself.

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Their split was the biggest ever seen in Scottish politics.

The fallout led to a civil war within the SNP as the party’s two most significant leaders fought an increasingly bitter battle, which appeared to start in a dispute over process and became a head-on clash over their respective integrity.

Sturgeon, who succeeded Salmond as First Minister in 2014, 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.”

The King said in a message issued by Buckingham Palace: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.

“His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.

“We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind 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 as MP and MSP over many years of service.

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

Current First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death” of the former first minister and extended his deepest condolences to Salmond’s family.

He said: “This is desperately sad news and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Moira and to his family.

“This is a moment when individuals will reflect on the exceptional leadership and contribution that Alex Salmond has given to public life in Scotland with his service in the House of Commons and in the Scottish Parliament, and especially as the First Minister of Scotland.

“He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics to become the Government of Scotland, and he took Scotland incredibly close to becoming independent.

“He has made a huge contribution to the public life of Scotland over his life.

“I worked very closely with Alex Salmond in trying to get us into a position where we were leading forces in Scottish politics when we didn’t have much, much in the way of resources or capacity to build our party.

“But he brought energy and commitment and drive to making sure that we were successful. And it was one of my proudest moments when I had to deliver the speech, which marked the fact that we had won the election in 2007, that we were going to form the Government of Scotland. It was a moment I never expected that I would experience and one that brought me formidable joy.”

Humza Yousaf also tweeted his condolences, saying: “Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there’s no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish & UK politics. As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today.”

Ian Blackford said: “He was a larger than life character, when he first became a member of parliament in 1987, the SNP had three MPs.

“But none the less, even as a young man he made his mark in Westminster, he famously disrupted the first budget that he sat through and gained notoriety.

“But more importantly, he took the SNP from that marginal opposition, to firstly being the main party of opposition in Scotland and then the party of government.

“Going into government in 2007, but then breaking the system in many respects by becoming a majority government in Scotland in 2011 in the only time that has ever happened under devolution.

“And I think that success and being a majority government meant that Westminster had to recognise that it was right for the people of Scotland to have their say in the independence referendum.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Salmond was “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “It is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics.

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

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.”

Russell Findlay, leader of Scottish Conservatives, said he “shocked and saddened” by the news of Salmond’s death.

“No matter our political beliefs we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland,” he said.

“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.”

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak posted on X: “Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry said she was “devastated” to hear the news.

“He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had,” she said.

“He changed the face of Scottish politics.”

Cherry said she was sorry that Salmond had not lived to see “vindication” against what she described as “ill use” by his former party.

“I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend,” she added, “My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him.”

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts are with you. Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”

Ash Regan, Edinburgh Eastern MSP and Alba leader at Holyrood, posted on X: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself. My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream.”

Kenny MacAskill, Alba Party deputy leader, said that Alex Salmond “was the outstanding Scottish politician not just of his generation but for generations far before. Recognised at home and respected abroad”.

He added: “He was not just a master political tactician but strategist. Yet also a politician who was a superb debater and orator. But one who equally possessed extraordinary charm and a common touch which endeared him to so many in Scotland.

“The party grieves the loss of their founder and leader. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.

“But the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die.”

Salmond had been giving a talk in North Macedonia on Saturday morning.

News of his death broke early on Saturday evening. Political leaders across the UK have been paying tribute to one of the most significant figures in modern Scottish history.

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