Alex Salmond "a formidable statesman" according to former Alba colleague

Former deputy leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, Caroline McAllister, led tributes to the former First Minister - who suddenly passed away over the weekend.

Alex Salmond was “a formidable statesman” according to a former SNP and Alba colleague.

The former First Minister passed away suddenly on Saturday afternoon at the age of 69, just hours after speaking at a conference in North Macedonia.

Mr Salmond’s first spell as SNP leader resulted in him taking his party from the fringes to the cusp of power at Holyrood, before resigning in 2000. He was elected for a second time as SNP leader in 2004 before taking his party into Government for the first time three years later.

He was widely judged to have led a successful SNP Government before winning a landslide Holyrood election in 2011 and securing an independence referendum. Independence was rejected and he quit as leader in 2014.

His latter years in politics were marked by a breakdown in relations between him and his protege, Nicola Sturgeon. They fell out over an unlawful investigation by her Government into conduct claims against him.

He later quit the SNP and formed Alba and is survived by his wife Moira, 87.

Former deputy leader of West Dunbartonshire Council Caroline McAllister quit the SNP for Salmond’s Alba Party in 2021, and paid tribute to the former FM.

She told the Lennox: “The sudden death of Alex Salmond was a shock for many across this island.

“He was a formidable statesman, politician and leader who was held in high regard by many across the Scottish and UK political spectrum as evidenced by the many warm tributes since his passing.

“I got to know him a little during my time with Alba. I found him to be courteous, funny, engaging and focussed on his life’s dream of independence.

“He cared deeply about Scotland and her people. He inspired half the nation to dream of better days as an independent country.

“I sat in a number of meetings with him and his knowledge, political acumen and focus on independence was more than evident however it was his common touch that struck me most about the man.

“He wanted to hear from everyone in these meetings and ended said meetings by checking in with each of us and encouraging quieter participants to speak their minds.

“This quality was also evident in his dealings with the public. He went out of his way to help people if he could without the glare of cameras and headlines.

“He was a man of substance who preferred engagement with the electorate to selfies. He understood the hand of friendship across the political divide was key to progressing Scotland’s future and made friends where others failed.

“Having sat on the SNP NEC the contrast with Alba’s NEC was refreshing. To be in a room with a diverse group of adults focused on the important issues of poverty, human rights, health, education and the economy was a privilege as well as an education.

“Scottish politics has lost a remarkable man and is a poorer place without his oratory skills, impressive intellect and overall gravitas.

“My thoughts are with his wife, family and friends at this sad time.”

Despite being political rivals, Mr Salmond’s legacy was also praised by Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie.

The veteran Labour member said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear about Alex Salmond’s death.

“His service to our country as an MP, MSP and First Minister of Scotland made him a well respected politician who dominated Scottish politics.

“He took the SNP into government and led the 2014 referendum campaign and, whilst we were on different sides of the debate, I have no doubt that his intellect, passion and ability will be recognised.

“I send my sincere condolences to his wife Moira and his family and friends.”

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