Monday October 14th 2024
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
In Midlothian the Saltire above Penicuik Town Hall was lowered in honour of Mr Salmond who died suddenly on Saturday while in North Macedonia.
Council leader Kelly Parry, who is in charge of the county’s SNP administration, said Mr Salmond had left a lasting legacy.
She said: “On behalf of Midlothian Council, I extend my deepest condolences to Alex Salmond’s family and loved ones at this time.
“Alex Salmond spent his lifetime dedicated to public service and the people of Scotland. His impact on Scottish politics will leave a lasting legacy which will be remembered for generations.”
In Haddington, East Lothian, the Saltire above council headquarters John Muir House was lowered to half mast following news of Mr Salmond’s death.
East Lothian Provost, Councillor John McMillan, part of the council’s Labour administration, said: “Alex Salmond leaves behind a significant legacy on the Scottish political landscape as one of our best known figures.
“While we may not always have been aligned on matters of policy, his incomparable impact through decades of commitment to public service will be rightly recorded as part of our nation’s history.”
Former East Lothian MP Kenny MacAskill, deputy leader of the Alba party, established by the former First Minister after he split from the SNP in 2021, today said the party would live on as part of his legacy.
Colin Beattie MSP said
“Alex Salmond was a remarkable political giant and a devout patriot who never wavered in his belief on Scottish Independence.
“He led the SNP from a fringe position in Scottish politics to responsible and demonstrably competent government in 2007. As an economist he successfully engaged with the wider business community while retaining his focus on an ambitious social program. In 2011 the SNP became the only majority government to date which triggered the 2014 referendum in which he almost gained us our independence. He brought us so close that we owe him an inestimable debt.
“His presence on the political scene will be sorely missed. Statesmen such as Alex are rare. He will be remembered. It was a privilege to have worked with him for so many years.
“Our thoughts go out to his wife Moira and to all his family and friends at what must be a tragic time.”
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