Alex Salmond has died

[JackJarvisEsq]

Aged 69. Not that old these days

Whatever your politics it’s definitely the end of an era

Exactly what I am feeling, @Silvers11.

He was not a good man in many ways but I'm sad for his wife who I doubt expected to outlive him.

I'm sad to hear this.

She has

Who will replace these titans? It's embarrassing watching the current crop pay their tributes, they couldn't rouse a nursery school never mind adult voters

I'm not an Alex Salmond fan but I have to agree that he was a titan in comparison to the current bunch of snivelling cretins that call themselves politicians.

Joanna Cherry's tribute 🥲

Wow. So young. Didn't expect to hear that.

Didn't agree with his politics & he certainly had a reputation as not a nice man -though I appreciate he was officially cleared: he was certainly a clever politician.
Has there been a comment from Sturgeon yet?

Not necessarily a fan of the man but 69 is no age and what a terrible shock for his widow Moira. I might not have liked him but he was certainly a titan within politics

Really shocked 69 is no age.

Definitely the end of a era in Scottish politics.

RIP Alex 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

His poor wife. What a shock for her.

Yes - although whether Moira and his friends and family will actually welcome her thoughts is anyone’s guess.

I’m sure those who mourn him will appreciate Joanna Cherry’s words though.

@MorrisZapp - you said it perfectly for me.

Sturgeon's 'eccentric' sister Gillian has put a typically insightful and well timed tribute on her FB page. Sandwiched inbetween posts flogging her miracle weight loss shots. Dignity prevails.

R.I.P. Yep, end of an era.

That's very kind and yes, Joanna Cherry knew him well for many years and absolutely nails how many feel about him.

I loathed his nationalistic policies, but he was a far more intelligent and astute politician than any of the complete and utter dross we have in the SNP these days.

Without speculating on the cause of his death, he hadn’t been looking healthy of late. The SNP also have many very unhealthy-looking politicians. I wonder if this will be a wake up call to them.

Absolutely gutted. Just got in from out golden wedding celebration to the news, and the shine has gone from the day. A wise, clever and a titan of a politician. Now we are left with traitors and corrupt pygmies. RIP Alex 😭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

An absolute titan and force to be reckoned with. Have met both Sturgeon and Salmond, and while both were lovely, he really made you feel listened to.

Raising a glass in his memory tonight. Rest easy, Big Eck. Alba gu Braith.

I’m not Scottish or in Scotland. And I don’t share Alex Salmond’s politics. Nor do I know anything about the truth or otherwise of the allegations against him.

But he was a fiercely clever man and a compelling speaker and debater. I always thought he was a giant of a politician on any stage, international, British or, presumably, Scottish.

It's such a shock.

Not even 70.

Stress.

Those conspirators should rot in 🔥

I feel about his death the way I felt about Donald Dewar and John Smith. Really shocked, as if somehow they'd go on for ever.

As for the allegations I really don't know how to balance my immediate "believe her" reaction with the words of female (ex) politicians who I know and trust. e.g. Jo Cherry and Joan McAlpine.

We need a new inspiring politician. Ash Regan perhaps.

Sad for his family as with any surprising death but he wasn't a pleasant character and I remember sharing a train carriage with him to listen to the me me me followed by the don't they know who I am line.

“CaptainSeven · Today 13:02

I feel about his death the way I felt about Donald Dewar and John Smith. Really shocked, as if somehow they'd go on for ever”

It’s the suddenness of these three deaths. All eloquent and fiercely intelligent men, and all comparatively young. Donald Dewar 63, John Smith 56, Alex Salmond 69.

I agree with this, and would add, it's more keenly felt given the lack of 'talent', for want of a better word, of the current crop of politicians we're lumbered with, both in Scotland & beyond. I never quite liked Salmond, but could respect the political nouse & his tactical skills. He achieved a huge amount through force of character, and that's sorely lacking in what we have now. Politicians seem scared to make their case these days. It's a tough arena but it's all the poorer when we lose someone who has no fear of doing just that, whether you agreed with his politics or not.