Buckie tributes to political ‘giant’ Alex Salmond
Local tributes have been pouring in to former First Minister Alex Salmond following his shock death.
Mr Salmond, who was 69, died suddenly on Saturday, October 12 while attending a forum in North Macedonia.
He led the SNP twice over the space of a 20-year period and was in the vanguard of the party’s historic charge into government in 2007, assuming the mantle of First Minister. In 2011 he became the only party leader to win an outright majority at Holyrood, the SNP claiming the 69 of the 129 seats up for grabs - a feat thought to be nigh-on impossible due to the electoral system used.
Mr Salmond was to remain in post until 2014, resigning after narrowly losing the independence referendum in 2014. From 2021 he led the pro-independence Alba Party until his death.
For 23 years he served as MP for the Banff and Buchan constituency.
During his spell as First Minister, Mr Salmond officially unveiled the restored Fishwives’ Walk between Buckie and Keith on a glorious July afternoon.
Leading the local tributes to Mr Salmond were former Buckie SNP councillor Gordon McDonald, who had served as the convener of both Moray and Grampian Regional Councils.
He said: “Alex was a giant in politics and a true patriot who brought the SNP from a movement to a major force in Scotland.
“He was well known to Buckie and as First Minister, he opened the Fishwives’ Walk in the town.
“Both socially and politically, it was a pleasure to be in his company.
“When I was convener of Grampian Regional Council and Moray Council he was always supportive of any action we were involved in to improve the north-east.
“He will be sorely missed, and as he said himself ‘the dream will never die’. “
Local SNP councillors joined in paying tribute to the man who changed the face of modern Scottish politics.
Buckie councillor Sonya Warren fondly recalled Mr Salmond’s visit to the town to open the Fishwives’ Walk.
She continued: “It was such sad news about Alex and my thoughts are very much with Moira and the family.
“Alex Salmond leaves such a phenomenal legacy, we as a country have so much to thank him for.
“He cared passionately about Scotland and gave so much to so many. Alex was always willing to share advice, thoughts and guidance.
“One of my favourite memories was at the opening of the Fishwives’ Walk, which he did as First Minister of Scotland. He spent so much time with us that day, it was wonderful.”
Councillor Theresa Coull (Keith-Cullen) described Mr Salmond as a “remarkable” politician.
She said: “It was with great sadness to hear of the sudden passing of Alex who had been a huge figure in the SNP party and as First Minister.
“Alex was a remarkable politician who touched the lives of everyone he met and played such a significant role in getting the SNP party to where it is today, governing Scotland.
“Most party members will have a story about Alex, but he had a dream, he shared that dream with the country, and it is so sad he is no longer able to see that dream come to fruition.
“Whether you agreed with his politics or not he was a proud Scot and only wanted the best for Scotland.
“My condolences to Moira at this particularly sad time.”
Tributes to Mr Salmond and his legacy were also paid by Aberdeenshire North and Moray East SNP MP Seamus Logan and Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam.
Mr Logan described the former First Minister as a “tremendous champion” for the area.
He said: “Alex Salmond was first and foremost a tremendous champion for the people of the north-east of Scotland for over 30 years as well as being the pre-eminent politician of his generation.
“Alex took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics, professionalised its approach and took the party into government and to within a few percentage points of winning an independence referendum.
“His contribution to Scottish politics, to Scottish life and to Scotland cannot be overstated.
“It was clear from my time on the doors in this year’s general election campaign that Alex is still highly regarded in his old constituency. My thoughts are very much with Alex’s wife Moira and the rest of his family at this sad time.”
Ms Adam added: “Alex Salmond, as a leading figure of the Scottish independence movement, took us to the edge of a new Scotland.
“His legacy will no doubt be one of a mentor to many of us now in elected politics, just like me, who Alex had persuaded to stand.
“As we now move forward, we intend to finish what he had accelerated. It’s a question of not if, but when, will Scotland be independent, and his actions will of course be a lasting legacy on that achievement when it comes. It is incredibly sad he’s not going to be here to witness that happen.
“My thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”