Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he is “shocked and saddened” at the sudden death of Alex Salmond earlier today.
The former First Minister collapsed after making a speech at an international conference in North Macedonia. He was in charge of the country from 2007 to 2014 and led the SNP party and the independence movement into the referendum in 2014.
After quitting the SNP six years ago, he set up an alternative independence supporting party, Alba, of which he was the leader. Alba has approached the UK foreign office for help in returning Mr Salmond’s body to the UK.
Mr Swinney has also extended his condolences to Salmond’s wife Moira and his family.
He added: "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."
Former First Minister Humza Yousaf said he and Salmond had "obviously had our differences in the last few years", but praised the "enormous contribution he made to Scottish and UK politics".
He also said Salmond had helped to "transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today".
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