Fergus Ewing on Alex Salmond (1954-2024): ‘A piece of Scotland died today’ adding: ‘I will miss him - and miss him more than any words have the ability to convey’
“A piece of Scotland died today”, said Fergus Ewing on learning of the death of Alex Salmond. He said: “I will miss him - and miss him more than any words have the ability to convey”.
The Inverness and Nairn MSP has paid tribute to his friend and colleague of decades, saying: “I will miss him - and miss him more than any words have the ability to convey”.
Reacting to news that the former First Minister who came close to delivering independence for Scotland had died during a visit to North Macedonia at the age of 69.
• Former First Minister Alex Salmond has died at the age of 69
Mr Ewing considered Mr Salmond’s life both personally as a friend and also the former First Minister’s status as what he called “the towering figure and greatest leader in the history of the independence movement.”
“Like so many people in Scotland today I am devastated by this tragic news. Above all, my thoughts are with Moira and the family now,” he said.
“Alex was, without question, the towering figure and greatest leader in the history of the independence movement. It was an enormous privilege to work with him closely for the last three decades.
“He very nearly took our country to independence. He was feared by political opponents more than anyone - then or since.
“But also, almost uniquely, he won respect and admiration from many of those who disagreed with him, and over the past three years in particular it is my view that more and more people recognised that he was the most effective leader and First Minister that the SNP has ever had.
“He reached out to all of the people in Scotland. He built up trust and confidence with the people of Scotland more than anyone before or since.
“I will miss him - and miss him more than any words have the ability to convey. To his true friends, he showed unstinting loyalty. And it is a great honour for me to say that I was his friend.”
He added: “There is a lot more to be said one day - but not this day.”
