Alex Salmond 'so close' to leading Scotland to independence, says John Swinney

The First Minister hailed his former SNP colleague and mentor for his "enormous contribution" to political life.

Alex Salmond came "so close" to leading Scotland to independence, John Swinney has said in a tribute to his former SNP colleague.

The First Minister described his "deep shock" after it was announced Salmond had died suddenly aged 69 while in Macedonia.

Swinney, who worked closely with the former first minister for more than 30 years, shared his "deepest condolences".

The SNP leader said: "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.

"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."

Swinney succeeded Salmond to become SNP leader for the first time in 2000. After a difficult four years in the party's top job, he resigned after a disappointing European Parliament election campaign.

Salmond then stunned Scottish politics by announcing he would return as leader with Nicola Sturgeon as his deputy.

Swinney remained a key figure in the party and was a senior member of the SNP Cabinet following its landmark Holyrood election victory in 2007.

Humza Yousaf, the former first minister, also paid tribute to Salmond's long career in Scottish politics.

"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 and UK politics," he said.

"As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today. My condolences to his family and friends."

Alex Salmond dies age 69

• Alex Salmond dies hours after speech
• Scotland and political world reacts
• Salmond died of 'suspected heart attack'
• Nicola Sturgeon's tribute to "mentor"

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