Senior Liberal Democrats have commented on the sudden death of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, highlighting his impact on Scottish politics and expressing sympathy for his wife Moira.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

Alex Salmond was a substantial figure who left an undeniable impact on Scottish politics. Our thoughts are with Moira Salmond tonight.

In 2015 and 2016, Christine Jardine fought Alex Salmond in the Gordon Westminster seat. But this was far from the first time she had met him. She first interviewed him as a young reporter in the late 80s.

She said:

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s passing. A towering figure in Scottish politics, his talent was undeniable. We may never have agreed politically but I did enjoy our jousts, in journalism and in politics. My thoughts are with his family.

Jim Wallace was Deputy First Minister for the first eight years of the Scottish Parliament when Alex Salmond was the Leader of the Opposition. He said:

I was saddened to learn of Alex Salmond’s sudden death.

Whilst we undoubtedly had our political differences, I know from having been his political opponent, just what a formidable politician he was. There is no doubt that he will be remembered as someone who had a profound impact on Scottish politics.

Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, said:

Alex Salmond was one of the most influential politicians of recent years, and First Minister of Scotland for seven. Losing a family member suddenly whilst overseas will be devastating for his family and friends, and my thoughts are with them at what must be a very difficult time.

Former Scottish Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie said:

The death of Alex Salmond is a shock and I feel for Moira, his family and his friends. His impact on our politics was significant. He was always challenging, provoking and agitating from the first day of his political life to his last.

Sally Pattle, our mental health spokesperson is a Councillor for Linlithgow, where Alex Salmond came from. She said:

I may not have agreed with Alex Salmond constitutionally, but he was a titan of Scottish politics and a proud son of #Linlithgow, a fellow alumni of both Linlithgow Primary School & Linlithgow Academy. His legacy will be long-lived, all thoughts with Moira this evening.