Alba Party vows to continue Alex Salmond's legacy - as book of condolence opens at Holyrood

A book of condolence for Alex Salmond has opened at the Scottish parliament for visitors to leave messages that will be sent to the former first minister's family.

Mr Salmond died from a suspected heart attack on Saturday at the age of 69 during a trip to the lake resort of Ohrid in North Macedonia.

Mr Salmond, who previously led the SNP ahead of founding the Alba Party, had earlier made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.

A book of condolence has been set up at Holyrood in the parliament's main hall, which is open to members of the public from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4.30pm.

A spokesperson for the Scottish parliament said the book will be sent to Mr Salmond's family.

Mr Salmond was a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement and used his time as first minister to secure the mandate for the 2014 referendum.

His final post on X shortly before his death ended: "Scotland is a country not a county."

In a letter to Alba Party members on Monday, acting leader Kenny MacAskill paid tribute to his late friend as he vowed to continue the campaign to deliver independence.

He said: "A family has lost a husband, a brother and a much-loved uncle. I have lost one of my oldest and dearest friends.

"The party grieves the loss of their founder and leader. Across Scotland people are mourning the loss of their former first minister.

"But the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die. We will honour him."

Mr MacAskill added that the party was supporting Mr Salmond's family, including his wife, Moira.

Efforts are also taking place to bring Mr Salmond's body home to Scotland.

Conservative MP Sir David Davis has called for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to use RAF planes to repatriate Mr Salmond's body with "both dignity and expedition".

It is understood the FCDO is working with local Macedonian authorities, but given Mr Salmond was a private citizen at the time of his death there are protocols around the eligibility for taxpayer-funded repatriation.

Read more:
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Salmond's record 'speaks for itself'

Under the leadership of the keen golfer and horse racing fan, the SNP rose to power and became a titan party north of the border.

Some would argue if it were not for the political talent of Mr Salmond, there would have been no Scottish independence referendum at all in 2014.

Mr MacAskill stated: "His record speaks for itself in moulding the modern SNP, forming the first independence administration and delivering both an unprecedented Holyrood majority and a referendum on independence."

First Minister John Swinney also agreed Mr Salmond "made a colossal contribution to Scottish politics".

Speaking to Sky News during Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Mr Swinney added: "He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics to becoming the government of Scotland.

"And he also took Scotland incredibly close to becoming an independent country in the referendum in 2014.

"So, I think it's been universally acknowledged, that politically, Alex Salmond had a huge impact on our public life within Scotland and the United Kingdom, and I pay tribute to that this morning."