Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has died aged 69.
The Alba Party leader, who was Scotland first minister between 2007 and 2014, passed away on Saturday after giving a speech in North Macedonia.
Describing his death as “sudden” and “a shock”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
Mr Sarwar said: “His contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.
“It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as first minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”
He added: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.”
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