Alex Salmond dead: Tributes after ex-first minister dies aged 69

Tributes have been paid to Alex Salmond following his death aged 69.

King Charles expressed his sadness, saying: “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called him a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” who “leaves behind a lasting legacy”.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he took the SNP “from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country”.

Nicola Sturgeon, who succeeded Salmond as first minister of Scotland, said he was her “mentor” and despite the later breakdown of their relationship she said it cannot be denied they formed “one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics”.

Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson said Salmond was “one of the great political disruptors of the age” and “the father of modern Scottish nationalism”.

Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said he “was the outstanding Scottish politician not just of his generation but for generations far before”.

Former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said Salmond helped turn the SNP into a “dominant political force”.

While Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he was “a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated”.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry said Salmond was “an inspiration and a loyal friend”.

She said: “He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest first minister our country has had.

“He changed the face of Scottish politics.”