First Minister John Swinney leads tributes to Alex Salmond on Sunday after shock death

John Swinney and other influential figures have been paying tribute to Alex Salmond's life and career on Sunday politics shows.

John Swinney has described Alex Salmond as a “hugely important, significant and influential figure" in Scottish and UK politics following the news of his sudden passing.

The First Minister appeared on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme and credited his predecessor with taking the Scottish National Party “from the fringes of Scottish politics to becoming the government of Scotland”.

The First Minister said: “He changed our politics and made the whole concept and the possibility of independence a real prospect for so many individuals within Scotland, and got us so close to the achievement of independence of 2014.”

When asked what made Mr Salmond so effective as a politician, the First Minister said: “I think there were two elements. First was a sense of absolute determination to succeed in his politics. So there was a bringing people together to make sure that we were successful in our politics. So there was real drive and energy right at the heart of it.

“The second thing was I think his sense of strategic perspective was important in identifying how you went from one situation to another, and how you built up through those strategic decisions the case for Scottish independence, or the case for effective government within Scotland, which is what we have delivered and demonstrated.

“So it was that combination of real drive and strategic thinking, which was at the heart of the success that Alex Salmond delivered.”

Actor Brian Cox and independence campaigner said Alex Salmond was “one of the greatest political thinkers” the British Isles has ever produced when speaking on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme.

He said: “He was a lot of fun. He was very entertaining. He had great humanity, he was probably I think one of the greatest political thinkers, certainly Scotland has ever produced, and I think possibly these islands have ever produced.

“He was an extraordinary man. I think his essential appeal was his humanity and how he came across to other people.”

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

He said when he first met Mr Salmond he was a disillusioned Labour supporter.

“I felt the one place where social democracy was happening was back in my own country, so I suddenly had to rethink my own feelings and Alex enabled me to do that,” he said.

While the Alba Party, which Salmond lead and found, has shared it's first tribute since his sudden passing on Saturday.

They said on X : "Alba Party grieves the loss of our founder and Leader. Our thoughts are with Moira, and his family, and those across Scotland mourning the loss of former First Minister Alex Salmond. The dream he cherished so closely, and came so close to delivering, will never die."

Tony Blair said he was “very sorry” to hear of Alex Salmond’s death. The former prime minister and Labour Party leader said: “Very sorry to hear the news about Alex Salmond.

“Whatever our disagreements he was a huge figure in Scottish and UK politics and was clearly dedicated to Scotland and its people.

“My deep condolences to his wife Moira and his wider family and friends.”

Alex Salmond died of a suspected heart attack while in North Macedonia for an event. He was 69 year's old.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.