Books of condolence have been opened in the Scottish Parliament’s garden lobby and public hall for MSPs and members of the public to leave messages for the family of former First Minister, Alex Salmond, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 69.
Paying tribute to Alex Salmond, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Alex Salmond was one of the most impressive politicians I have met and his sad and untimely death has left a huge void in Scotland.
“He knew the importance of working with business to build a more prosperous nation and he had the foresight and understanding to balance his social conscience with a pragmatic grasp of economic reality.
“Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.”
First Minister John Swinney 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.
“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 and right across the political spectrum.”
