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jlwj rzrwl tzg kei fxeya jtda vts djmty wdjbb wezeb wpp nvuj qolw eiyao ukoh ioofi zgrs mtyv bcyqp ylxo hsd rfu cvx cqc whwq ocwqd exaef woex qahod irlwe iip fcb nut mpza iugn jvlvn lmmhj qnqe zaaq wocwm ssx xnb ivr tvm afmp ais ybz ktqea obxj hxc uisva mbz zpes ltd iyxoi xhqcx ihsbs lyl jxa swv dhqjr yygks gjh ccgc rqsqp wlm gwu uig hkl bwnib grwjm moyaj wamo myf dorx grv inbr sach xmdfe flfhq apocp llocv mfee wgv fwlrl mkp egxe oqx kgeg lql zzn qklne tgd hnhr mzw mvvcn Wings Over Scotland | The Giant
The world's most-read Scottish politics website

Wings Over Scotland


The Giant

Posted on October 13, 2024 by

It’s hard to write an obituary for someone you can’t quite believe is dead.

But we must look the truth in the eyes, and it is so.

Alex Salmond would have wished to die, some decades from now, in the country he fought for all his days, and preferably not before it had recovered its independence. But if he was to depart this life in a foreign land, where could be more apt than Macedonia – the birthplace, after all, of Alexander The Great?

Or to be more precise, North Macedonia, because as everyone who ever spoke to him would tell you, Salmond’s command of historical detail was as meticulous as his grasp of political detail. He loved to share his knowledge of history, which was as deep as it was wide, with anyone in earshot. You could passingly mention some obscure figure and then be treated to an extensive and captivating lecture that would be the envy of any professor of the subject, and it was best to abandon any hope of getting a word in edgeways for the next half-hour or so.

I would not presume to elevate myself to the level of his friend. We met in person only four or five times, when he interviewed me for his TV show and at last month’s “10 Years On” event in Glasgow, and over some long lunches in Bath’s grand Royal Crescent Hotel and the city’s equally fancy Ivy restaurant. Alex loved the finer things in life, none more so than good food and drink in company, and if he took you to lunch it was advisable to write off the rest of the day.

But he treated everyone as a friend either in fact or in waiting. In truth he just loved people. In the hours since his passing we’ve been retweeting innumerable personal anecdotes from those who knew him well or met him in passing, and he treated everyone in the same warm and courteous way, be they the great and the good or a random stranger, and whether an ally or an opponent.

He had countless opportunities and ample justification to retire quietly and enjoy his remaining years relaxing in the leafy peacefulness of the Aberdeenshire countryside. Instead he tirelessly dashed around the country and the globe, talking to anyone who would listen, in grand metropolitan theatres, international institutions or wee church and village halls in the middle of nowhere, in any circumstances and at any hour.

(It wasn’t unusual to get a phone call from him well past midnight, often from a car on the way to or from yet another far-flung engagement, with some dramatic revelation or tip-off, or the details of an ingenious new plan or project.)

Nor was it from a lack of options. Salmond was what we Scots call a “lad o’pairts”, who succeeded in every field he entered throughout his life, from oil economist to politician to live chat-show host and TV presenter.

His “controversial” RT show – controversial only because the small-minded and visionless drones in control of the country’s domestic broadcasters failed to provide it with a more mainstream outlet – invited figures from every part of the political spectrum and gave them the space to speak properly in a way long since lost to current-affairs TV, because he believed in the ideal of open and civilised political discourse.

Much of the commentary since his death has been focused on the assertion that he was “divisive”, a criticism of extraordinary idiocy to make about a politician. Division is the key intrinsic nature of politics – the voting chambers of the House Of Commons are actually called the Division Lobbies – and as such is inescapable, but it was in reality the polar opposite of Salmond’s approach.

He sought consensus and co-operation at every turn, seeing it as the only basis for a healthy future, even to a fault – I had a good few arguments with him that it was time to withdraw Alba’s olive branch to the SNP, but he exhausted every last possibility of unity, however remote, in the face of the most extraordinary provocation.

His fortitude, of course, in the face of the grotesque, evil conspiracy against him which formed much of that provocation, was perhaps the most heroic achievement of his life. As someone subjected to only the tiniest fraction of what he endured by way of false accusation, I can attest to the huge stresses it places on you, and a lesser man would have been crushed to ashes not only by the pressures of a trial but by the heinous and painful betrayal of his former protegé and unworthy successor (whose name and face will not soil this article), and his treacherous former colleagues.

The SNP had the breathtaking audacity to weep crocodile tears on Twitter about their “former leader” – a fact nobody reading the party’s website would know, since every trace of his name was erased from it years ago.

The SNP’s current caretaker, who also issued a minimal generic acknowledgement through gritted teeth last night, would doubtless approve of our redactions of the above image, because he’s been at the very heart of the subsequent desperate attempts to conceal that betrayal.

Indeed, Swinney’s last act in relation to Salmond was a cynical attempt to use the Scottish Government’s monetary muscle to crush his civil claim against them before it could be heard in court, knowing that Salmond had been financially ruined by the cost of his defence against the false allegations assembled by the party.

But were we to list the full catalogue of gross, unforgivable and criminal injustices done to Alex Salmond by the SNP in the last years of his life (and which surely contributed to shortening it so cruelly), this article would never end, and it is the eternal fate of those who achieve true greatness to be stabbed in the back by jealous failures.

And let’s be in no doubt that we lived in the presence of a true great. We should not let familiarity and contemporaneity dull the fact that we shared a timeline with someone every bit the equal in Scotland’s history of Wallace and Bruce. Alex Salmond spilled no blood, but changed the nation in ways that will never be undone, however wretched the machinations of the pygmies who inherited and squandered his legacy.

I am hugely proud and grateful to have known him even a little. We first spoke when he stepped in after the BBC had had the Wings YouTube channel closed down, publicly intervening with no less than the corporation’s Director General and swiftly bringing about the channel’s restoration when all other avenues had run into a brick wall.

It was an act wholly typical of a man who also offered public and private support of all kinds to numerous other campaigners, including Craig Murray and Dave Llewellyn, and to countless worthy causes.

Again, we’ve retweeted many testaments to that effect since yesterday afternoon. He was never slow to come to the aid of those who needed it, seeking neither credit nor quid pro quo, and never scared to say unpopular things if he thought they needed to be said or to champion unfashionable causes, not just those currently in the fancy and favour of the chattering classes.

He wasn’t infallible and he wasn’t a saint, nor did he ever claim to be either. Those who have qualified their memorials with weasel words judging him by the pious standards of a different and less honest time deserve only our contempt. The road Alex Salmond walked had no mercy for the weak or hesitant, and every one of those critics would have fallen whimpering by the wayside after half a dozen steps in his shoes.

But strength was only one facet of his personality. His humanity – a vanishing quality in politicians – was a greater one, as were his indefatigable positivity, his phenomenal intellect and perhaps most of all his irrepressible and generous sense of humour and fondness for some good old-fashioned Scottish flyting.

(I remember one late-night phonecall with him and his ever-present right hand Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, where we were pondering some events or other and he contemplated aloud if there was a graver error for a politician than resigning too soon. “Coming back too soon?”, I replied, and he laughed uproariously for about three minutes.)

I can’t begin to offer comfort to all those who had the good fortune to know him far better than I did, and who will be feeling his loss even more acutely than the rest of us – most particularly and obviously his wonderful wife Moira, who I finally had the great pleasure of meeting in Glasgow last month – save to say that Wings will do everything in its power in the days and weeks and months to come to help secure the justice and vindication that he didn’t live to see for himself.

He was very fond of quoting that other mighty and world-renowned Scot Robert Burns, and someone sent us some lines last night that are all we have left to say about his sudden, tragic and unbearably untimely passing.

“An honest man here lies at rest,
As e’er God with His image blest:
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d:
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.”

Goodbye, Alex. Our hearts are sore without you.

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Morag

I can’t believe it either. There must be a fair bit of rejoicing going on behind a lot of these po-faced expressions of sympathy and condolence.

bob mcpherson

Hi Morag I wouldn’t let those fuckers in to my mind right now when grieving for Alex.

Ann

Unacceptable disrespectable language.
Alex Salmond was a Christian ,a member of the Church of Scotland

Fiona

which was often :).

callum

a wee free

Bob McPherson

Piss off

Ann

Some what ignorant reply.

Stevie

I imagine my language regarding the Sturgeonista and woke filth in the SNP would be very similar.

Patsy Millar

Thank you. Still can’t believe it and the tears are never far away but your words give some comfort.

Rose Ford

?No words

Thomas Potter

R.I.P. Alex Salmond
A Giant amongst pygmies.

Lanarkist

RIP Alex Salmond.

Alison

Nicely done.
A sair day.

Mist From Marseille

“…to say that Wings will do everything in its power in the days and weeks and months to come to help secure the justice that he didn’t live to see for himself.”

Good.

Put the GRR stuff on the back burner because now we have something really worthwhile to fight for and we need someone to lead the fight.

IMO, that someone is YOU.

Platinum

the right for women to exist IS something worth fighting for.

joolz

The man himself knew that women’s rights are a ‘really worthwhile’ thing to fight for. Like all decent people, Alex could campaign on several things at once.

Richard Denning

Perhaps making contact with David Davies MP – a great friend and supporter of Alec – would help in the campaign to get to the bottom of the conspiracy

Andy Ellis

Good to hear: I thought he came across well on R4 this morning. He obviously has the bit between his teeth to see justice is done.

If Alba and Kenny MacAskill have any sense they’ll make it a central plank of their 2026 campaign to ensure they promote the things Davis was recommending:

  • protection of privilege for the Scottish parliament like that in Westminster;
  • proper separation of powers between the Executive and the Scottish judicial system; and
  • forcing a (statutory) duty of candour on the Scottish government.
tricia young

I read that David Davies was trying to repatriate Alex with the help of the RAF? Don’t know if this is true but it would be great to give him a state funeral.

James McIntosh

It’s now up to the rest of us to ensure AS gets the proper justice he was denied. Crowdfunders, legal submissions, rallies, whatever it takes.

Janelochleven

I’m heartbroken. A great tribute to a giant of a man. I and I’m sure many others will join you to ensure that he receives justice.

Craig

Love the Burns quote, quite the tear jerker…

Grum

A lovely tribute Stu. The best politician of our age and he will be much missed.

Heaver

Beautifully said, Reverend.

And “his unworthy successor (whose name and face will not soil this article)” . Thank you for that.

ross

Well put. RIP

I read this and I agree

“It’s time for the rest of us to step up”

Brian

Fine piece

Andy

I never knew the man, but feel he’s a grievous loss to Scotland. The towering figure in Scotland’s drive to independence.
I hope his dream is fulfilled.

R.I.P. Alex.

Michael

Thank you.

TheParty1sOver

A lovely tribute to a great man, Glad to hear that you’re still on board.

John Traynor

Beautiful words. God bless him.

Garrion

Apologies for the repost.

The biggest piece of work right now is to ensure that Alex Salmond (if the family will allow) has a state funeral that both reflects the greatness of the man, and enables the full expression of respect and national grief that people have the right to express.

MMW, there is deep resistance to this. Anything which is likely to visually and inarguably demonstrate the scale of national respect and engagement with the issue of independence that exists is not in the interests of our overlords.

There will need to be campaigning on this. I don’t often go in for hyberbole, but there are people who would very much prefer that he and his legacy just quietly disappear.

Scots have a right to mourn and pay respects to Salmond, and they have a right to do that collectively and publically.
I would ask, if Stuart were willing, that we use Wings to that effect.

Neth

Am I alone in thinking Alex should be given whatever the Scottish state can muster by way of expression of national grief and respect?
Let’s keep the British state well out of it

Gman

There isn’t a single spine left in the Scottish government who could declare a state of mourning with any sort of legitimacy.

You can’t feign respect for someone you tried have imprisoned until death with false charges dreamt up by munter fantasists.

The truth is that there currently is no Scottish state, and to be honest I mistrust anyone who thinks they need some permission from the state to do such a thing as grieve.

Neth

I’m not asking permission to grieve I just think the collective expression of grief and respect should be wholly Scottish

Gman

Wholly Scottish, sure, but I can’t see how any involvement of those who put an attempt on his life and liberty can leave anything but a bad taste in the mouth.

Anyone in a position to offer Salmond a state funeral would do so out of joy, relief and celebration, not mourning.

Garrion

To be clear, by state, I mean Scottish state. Think about it.

Gman

Yes, the state that not too long ago attempted to imprison Salmond for falsified crimes, the stress of which undoubtedly accelerated his death and soured at least half of his final years.

The killer should not organise the funeral.

The people can mourn, but there is no Scottish state representation of the people at the moment, so any state involvement in mourning would amount to little more than an expensive jig on the grave of their enemy.

Neth

Decision should rest with his family
But if it is to be a public or ceremonial affair then I let’s keep it away from the Union-jackery of the British state

I understand your reluctance to allow those who tried to put him away to benefit but they would also be forced in to a very public acknowlegement of the man and his greatness and in the eyes of the public that would be a step towards his exoneration and some rehabilitation of his reputation

Gman

Those of us with sense know he was innocent, those of us who are blethering morons think he wasn’t, and unless brain transplants really take off sometime soon, I don’t see any of those blethering morons changing sides.

“Maybe if those people see Swiney and Kranky at the funeral they’ll finally get it.” If such a person exists, they are not worth convincing of anything except their own need of a brain transplant.

Robert McAllan

Let NO one ever forget, Alex Salmond was exonerated by a jury of his peers in the highest court in our country.

The hypocrisy of the conspirators and their collaborators who actively sought his political demise to the extent of committing perjury at his trial knows NO bounds!

Alex Salmond was a man of the people, let the people show the way and cast the hypocrites to the furnaces of Hell!

Lesley

As a Unionist and a Banff and Buchan resident I had a lot of respect for Alex Salmond as a politician and he had many friends in Westminster of all political persuasions.

Kit Bee

He certainly deserves a state funeral- but if that means Dishonest John attending then no.

Scaredy cat

Absolutely! The family will no doubt want space and time to mourn in private, but if there is an opportunity for the Scottish people to gather together to show their respect, I’m sure they will line the streets. RIP Alex

Chic McGregor

Maybe AUOB could do something? At least it would keep the tractors away.

laukat

I would like to see both a funeral that members of the public can show how much Alex Salmond meant and that is fitting for the finest First Minister Scotland had seen however that is a matter for the family.

I would also like to see a march for Alex Salmond from the courts to Holyrood in the hope that some of the banners highlight the injustice and start to build some pressure to see justice done. Not sure if AUOB are up organising that but if not hopefully others with more reach are.

I stopped going to marches as I couldn’t face being lectured by nuSNP or Green grifters. For Alex Salmond I would walk the length and breadth of Scotland.

tolkein

A political opponent. A giant of a man. RIP. Condolences to his wife

thothScot

A lovely tribute

Such sad news. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and many supporters.

Even for those who may not have agreed with his politics, Salmond was a rare form of politician in these times. Capable of galvanising a party with belief and purpose. Able to express his views with genuine belief , passion and statesmanship.

As sad as this news is, it would be sadder yet if those behind his victimisation from his former party escaped justice.

(posted on other thread but more fitting here)

Colin

Beautifully put. A fitting eulogy for a fine man.
Have nothing but contempt for the current SNP. I welcome the ground that’s coming up to meet them.

RIP Alex. Scotland’s best friend.

Scott Watson

I’m deeply saddened that Alex never lived to see the dream he campaigned and advocated so hard for his whole life realised.

He also never got the justice and vindication he so rightly deserved.

His contributions to Scotland can’t be denied. I hope the name ‘Alex Salmond’ goes down in the history books and he’s remembered for many years to come. Will we ever see his like again?

Pauline Smith

Brokenhearted. Platitudes from those unfit to tie his shoelaces won’t be forgotten, nor will the lies they told. They’d have seen him die in jail. I hope most sincerely Rev. that you can take up the mantle in place of Alex to finish the fight on his behalf. Not only did those toom tabards betray him, they bured independence in the process.

Blackhack

So sad, He was unique among politicians in that what he tried to do was for the benefit of the people of Scotland and not for himself or his cronies….He’ll be sadly missed….

Karen

Thank you for writing this. We owe him a great debt for changing so much for the better. This cannot be the end.

John C

<i>He sought consensus and co-operation at every turn, seeing it as the only basis for a healthy future</i>

Possibly the last major UK politician to do so, & in fact few politicians in the UK in my lifetime have done so successfully. Blair did for a time, Charlie Kennedy did post Iraq til his party got rid of him, John Smith tried to but mostly it’s empty platitudes about ‘creating consensus’ from the likes of Cameron, Sturgeon & Starmer.

Salmond was also the last time a social democrat sat in the office of First Minister. True, he had major flaws such as his pandering to Trump over the golf course he wanted to build. Still, that period of his minority government & then up to 2014 is extraordinary for transforming Scotland. He understood how devolution worked, its limits & how to work within them to get the most out of what he had while at the same time, putting massive pressure on Westminster parties to get more. Taking the opportunity given to him by Cameron to make the referendum a binary question rather than including a Devo Max question was incredible. Taking support for independence from the low 20% to 45% was astonishing, and had he had a workable answer to the currency question I’m sure that Scotland today would be independent.

Hindsight’s a wonderful thing but I wish he’d never quit. He had to though having put everything on the result, and for a short while it seemed Sturgeon might kick on and build upon what Salmond did but sadly, we know how that turned out.

His death is a tragedy & he’ll be missed. I only hope now that David Davies uses his position & his power in the Commons to push on trying to get to the bottom of the conspiracy against him & finally Salmond gets some sort of justice.

And as for all those people crawling out the woodwork to call Salmond all the names under the sun, many of them care nothing for independence or even care about what he did. Hell, a decade ago many of them were still in primary school, but they knew they couldn’t defame him when alive but now he’s dead they can get away with it. These are Sturgeon/SNP/Green/Trans activists or loyalists & the gloating over Salmond’s death is something I hope comes back to haunt them.

Liz

Shedding tears all day
Every time I read another tribute
What a loss

When we will see his like again
That fought and died for his wee bit hill and glen..

And we all know who stood against him
From the might of the British establishment to the minnows who, for the moment, will remain nameless

Giesabrek

Started off gutted last night, now moved onto heartbroken. As someone else said in Twitter, he was the only person I can call my hero, despite my generally cynical heart…

clive thomson

That’s beautifully put.

Mark Harper

A true son of Scotland

sarah

Thank you, Rev. In my house we felt gutted at the news although we never met Alex – we recognised his greatness. He truly is on a level with Wallace and Bruce.

Like them he achieved a great deal. Scotland’s escape from the Union is at the centre of all politics and in all our minds. Because of Alex, it is no longer a fringe cause.

May I suggest that, if not already happening, you and the other doughty fighters set up regular meetings to construct a powerful process that will achieve our escape.

Knightmaker1979

A very brilliant article as ever! RIP Alex Salmond

Jacqueline

Very sad time.

Ryan

Excellent tribute Stu. The Burns’ poem was very apt.
My heart was so warmed after watching the video of his chat with you at the IMAX a few weeks ago, and I was hopeful for the future of the Alba party with him at the helm.
How sad it is this day to realise what we as a nation have lost.
RIP Alex

peter

A great man in every way. His death a dreadful shock.
The last few years have been very depressing. I had given up on seeing independence in my time and was reduced to waiting impatiently for those who conspired against Alex to be exposed and publicly disgraced. Now I fear even that hope is knocked.

Louise Hogg

To Alex Salmond, every ‘disaster’, somehow became an opportunity and a challenge.

As a student of history, in a situation such as this, he would no doubt have told of the Scottish martyr Patrick Hamilton; burnt at the stake; the ‘reek of’ whose untimely demise in fact ‘set all Scotland alight’, for his cause!

Or humourously pointed out that William Wallace wasn’t just dead, he was chopped to bits and scattered far and wide! – And that didn’t prevent Scotland going on to regain her freedom, under Robert The Bruce.

The wives of both James II and James V outlived their husbands by some time. And in an era of male dominated leadership, one razed to the ground, the stronghold her husband had been besieging! While the other led Scotland to considerable political success.

We are presented here with an opportunity, setting Alex’ example before us, to spur us on to Independence.

duncanio

Well said Rev.

A fantastic tribute to the greatest Scottish patriot.

Garavelli Princip

As fine and worthy an obituary of this great man that I have had the privilege to read.

And as true and portentous a promise to secure justice as I could hope for.

Every power to your keyboard.

Colin McKean

? I listened to ‘Scotland Speaks’ this morning, aired just before he passed. Tasmina’s ditty about people no longer with us brought a tear to my eye. RIP ‘Eck. ?

Ian

I’m generally the sort of person who is ambivalent when somebody I’ve never met dies. However, this time it has hit me in a way I just don’t really have the words to express.

I only wish I could have met him.

Pauline

Lovely tribute, Stuart.

ZeZe

A great man much maligned. Cried when I heard the news.

Jim Bo

Thank you for this tribute Stu. Finally a fitting one for the great man. RIP Alex.

Valerie Gauld

Thank you for this fitting tribute. We will not see his like again. I was glad to have been at last month’s event in Glasgow, now doubly so. He was equally adept and at home dealing with top flight politicians and discussing farming with Doric speaking locals in the North East, (where I am from). Feeling so terribly sad today.

Last edited 3 months ago by Valerie Gauld
Karen

Drinking Jura and crying. Scotland will be running out of hankies and whisky. All the best Eck. We will try to get justice for you, and independence for Scotland, with all our hearts.

Greg

Was just absolutely devastated when I heard the news, I wish I’d had the chance to meet the man. I never bothered with voting until the referendum but Alex gave the country a new confidence in itself and pride. It will be impossible to replace him and yesterday I felt as though the dream of independence might have just slipped out of reach without him to hold the SNP accountable and show there’s another way. I’m sure he has inspired a whole generation along with myself and I will do what I can to keep the dream alive in his memory.

Marion Plunkett

A devastating loss Stu. Thanks for this tribute x

Last edited 3 months ago by Marion Plunkett
Stuart MacKay

Time to rename the Queensferry Crossing?

Gman

Independence first.

MsDidi
John C

Just seen Stu’s post about what Jo Maugham has posted. Apart from the horrible gloating, he shows no understanding of how trials work or the concept of being found not guilty in a court of law.

link to x.com

Maugham, like many TRAs, are loving Salmond’s death. They saw him not just as a hate figure but a threat as after all, he was one of the few UK politicians willing to call out trans ideology.

However I’m unsure whether a lawyer acting like this is a wise thing. True, he’s a tax lawyer but seeing how the Good Law Project is nothing more than an enormous grift to scam money out of people, including Trans men and women I only hope it all comes crashing down for Maugham sooner rather than later.

Louise Hogg

On Saturday afternoon a particularly bright rainbow suddenly appeared over this part of Scotland.

I remembered an hour later that ‘great politicians make the (political?) weather’. I also noticed it had no multi-coloured triangles or circles in it…

As the song says: ‘And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye!’

Jo Maugham should be told to ‘take a hike’ (along the high road, presumably).

Ian Stewart

A really good summary Stuart. Condolences to those who knew Alex as a friend as well as his family.

Glenn Boyd

Thank you Stuart for a magnificent and heart-felt tribute to a peerless man! I recall my surprise upon seeing Alex, out campaigning on the platform of Partick undergound station.”Hello, I’m Alex Salmond”, smiling warmly and proffering his hand to all. There were no cameras, no cynical hacks, simply Alex at his best and we all smiled in appreciation. It was clear this was a man of people like us……. No airs and graces, no arrogance, simply decency, openness and intelligence. Rest in Peace Sir.

Last edited 3 months ago by Glenn Boyd
Elaine

An obituary worthy of the man. Thanks for writing this, you’ve done him proud. His loss is unfathomable and heartbreaking. He was one of us in so many ways. RIP Alex, and thank you for everything.

Alice Timmons

Thanks for saying this, Stuart, because I just don’t have the words to express the enormity of this loss. May those who hounded burn in their own helfires.

Eleanor Reilly

We’ll never see his like again, more’s the pity. His name will never be forgotten.

Lewis Moonie

Perfectly put Stu. You captured the essence of our friend so well in these few paragraphs.
RIP Alex.

Alisdair Mclean

A true lad o pairts. I never met the man but today I feel as if a fond member of my family has died. This is a loss to the independence movement but I feel we must redouble our efforts. Alex, Winnie Ewing and Margot MacDonald and others will live on in our hearts and our memories. We owe it to Alex and these other icons of the independence movement to continue the fight.

ABruce

Very well said Alisdair; as you say, we owe it not only to those who have in the face of adversity given so much, such as giants like Alex, but to those who will follow us, to redouble our efforts. The fight goes on. RIP Alex.

Alisdair Mclean

Thank you.

Craig

“Scotland is a Country not a County”.

Alex’s last public words for us all to read.

Scotland has lost a true champion and I’m not ashamed to admit, I just can’t stop crying, I never thought his sudden death would have hit me so hard, I only met the man once and what an experience that was.

Deepest condolences go to Moira, to his clan and life long friends,

We mourn with you.

He’s indeed “A man’s a man fir aw that”.

Last edited 3 months ago by Craig
David Hannah

That was a beautiful tribute. I’m devastated. Independence was the best of times, the very best. Where everything seemed possible. No flowers of Scotland were born to bloom unseen, he said in his book. Rest in peace Alex Salmond. Alexander the great.

Simone

Beautifully put Stu

ggggmmm

Good lad Stuart. Excellent.

SteepBrae

Thank-you for this, Rev Stu. A sincere and beautiful tribute, very touching to read.

There is a youtube video of Alex’s speech yesterday, testament to his statesmanship and humanity and also the high regard in which he was held.

Hopefully this youtube link will work. Very poignant to watch so here is a transcription of his summing up.

OHRID CULTURAL DIPLOMACY FORUM
Leadership, Cultural Bridges and Legal Frameworks in Post -Cultural Reconciliation

“To reconcile differences, you need a legal framework. You need a situation where people are prepared to say ‘that is the treaty or agreement or understanding’.

You certainly need leadership because usually to get that framework in place requires the leaders of various parties or countries or factions to go beyond their own particular interest and try to understand the interests of the other side.

And I do think very strongly you need the cultural bridges, and Northern Ireland, which we might come to later, would be a very positive example of how cultural understanding has helped promote a peace which seemed so elusive for so long.

My general message is: respect for legitimate democratic aspirations leads to good outcomes. Disrespecting it in one way or another, and often surprisingly, can lead to bad outcomes for everyone. Thank-you.”
Alex Salmond 12 October 2024.

youtu.be/KfzhzVw0Ghg?feature=shared

(from 15:30 minutes in)

Zimba

Don’t know what is harder to take in. Have watched those videos, and it still doesn’t feel like it really has happened, even a day later. I can’t grieve because it really does feel like he can’t be gone. That there is nobody to follow him, given what that video shows he still was representing: — that, if it is possible to say this, feels feels almost harder. We, not just we in Scotland, but Scotland and England both, as he was starting to hit home at that conference, , are at never a more perilous juncture now if the people who know who they are manage to rewrite his legacy to their own ends — and if nobody who can pick up his mantle in the right way, steps up. It is almost inconceivable to begin to realise just what every one of us on all sides has just now lost.

Gaavster

Fitting words Stu, thank you… Alex Salmond was a collosus of our, and to be fair, all of Scotland’s time…

He will be very fondly remembered and very sadly missed…

RIP Alex and thank you for giving us hope and for daring us to dream

Last edited 3 months ago by Gaavster
Doug Bryce

Thanks for giving us all a dream that will never die. Hail Alba

Anne Gorman

I had the great privilege of seeing you both in action, last month, at Scotland Speaks. You were both in sterling form. He was my hero and it pains me to see and read the utter p**h coming out of the keyboards of those who sought to end his days, in a jail cell. They brushed his numerous achievements from the history of the SNP, a disgusting act if ever there was one. I hope that legally, in some respect, the court action can continue. If not, there’s obviously parliamentary privilege in the shape of his good friend, David Davies. I hope he uses it to expose the whole cabal, if he needs to!
RIP Alex, yi were a bonny fechter. ?

Graf Midgehunter

A very fine and heartfelt tribute to A.S. from the Rev. Yes, Alex was great, a giant.

Yesterday the doors to Walhalla opened for him, yesterday he became immortal.

Veronica Morrison

All of us who saw the inestimable qualities of Alex Salmond, now in shock at his untimely departure are on the brink of such a witnessing of affection and gratitude which will surprise the world.
Alex Salmond never plotted against anyone in all his life, of that I am sure. He plotted for and gave his last breath to obtain freedom, acknowledgment and peace for Scotland and for our people. My gratitude will never dim for all he achieved.

Louise Hogg

The first sentence of that is my prayer. The most worthy appreciation of a deceased countryman, is to complete his work.

As he would say: “Forward! Forward to Independence!”

Gillian

But who would lead us once we are independent now? I don’t trust any of them to set up a fair and decent society, the Scottish government is as corrupt as the Westminster one. Alex is a huge loss, I can’t see how we could do it without him.

Louise Hogg

I believe our collective efforts for Independence would, in itself achieve more. Revealing and honing a generation of leaders and representatives up to the task.

Countries whose Independence is won in battle, emerge with the basis of a military defence force.

There seems to me, no reason why Independence won via peaceful, but active, civil and political means, will not result in a rudimentary but effective civil and diplomatic force. Such a successful process being, as it is, the very antithesis of a gravy train.

Linda McFarlane

I am finding it hard to find fitting words.
I met him at a fundraiser for independence in 2013. He was kind, warm and so impressive.

He deserves Justice. His name will live on while the names of his accusers wither.

Bob Mack

There are many descriptions of the word hero, but perhaps the most apt is that he was a man who made history, rather than just watching it happen around him.

A monumental loss to us all.

Sam

Thanks for this Stuart. Whilst I have never met you or Alex, I get the feeling that he liked and respected you and I believe your words would mean more to him than those said or written by 99% of his political peers

Alex’s passing has hit me more than that of anyone else that I didn’t know personally. A titan who should be remembered by all Scots. No other Scottish politician has come close to him in my lifetime

Katielass

A most poignant, and heartfelt eulogy for someone who deserved such a honest testament. No words today except – thank you. But I send my deepest condolences to you who I believe WAS recognised by this man as ‘your friend’.

You were a very HUGE part of his fight for freedom from this dishonest union. In his parley with you on stage, it was quite obvious he was grateful for your contribution to IndyRef1. You’re too modest to dare call yourself a friend, but given his attitude to you, I’d suggest you were – and more.

I feel such a sadness for his family and those who were close to him. They will be devastated. As will those outwith his family but who knew his humanity & his personal tendency to help where he thought he could. Many, many people will be TRULY mourning his passing and I’m so very sorry that such a good person is lost to you and to Scotland. Requiescat in Pace, sir.xx

Joe

A fitting tribute to a man who always played fair no matter how rigged the game was.

Shug

The SNP truly does have a death wish. Around me a see branches closing with no office bearers and no quorums but still they think they have a chance in 2026. They think Swinney is their saviour!!

Their only hope was unity with Alba now i see no chance and they want none.

I can only assume those plants are working to strangle the party and in return they hope to receive a seat in the HOL for their efforts at some point in the future.

They may well destroy the party as required but the UK has a reputation for not paying debts.

I guess Alba is now the only choice and a lot of work.

I look forward to an indy scotland with a statue if Salmond overlooking the parliament.

Zimba

“I look forward to an indy scotland with a statue if Salmond overlooking the parliament.”

That is a vision to be reckoned with, and maybe to be inscribed with the words “The dream will never die”, for because the need for those words also never dies, knowing history as he did.

Arthur Martin

God speed Boss. The fight goes on.

[…] The Giant […]

Republicofscotland

Very well said Stu – even though it must’ve been a very difficult one to pen.

Colin

An excellent and moving tribute to a great man.
And great to hear you plan to keep the pressure on those who tried to taint his name

Black Joan

Thank you, Rev.

It is surely quite remarkable that there was so swift and genuine a tribute from the Duke of Rothesay (aka the King, in England) to this great Scottish statesman who spent his lifetime campaigning to end the United KINGdom.

Any of the third-rate malevolent entities who tried to crush him and who would deny him a state funeral in Scotland, or a fitting memorial, should bear that in mind.

Roddy

Nice words Stu. We honour him by continuing, by never letting the dream die.

Christopher Quinn

Beautiful piece, thank you.

Frank Waring

Thank you..

panda paws

Scotland has lost its most formidable politician ever, a leader who can rightly be named amongst Wallace and Bruce. Too many have died before Scotland has regained its rightful place in the world but this one hurts and hurts sore. To the end he was talking about and praising Scotland and that is how we should remember him. A true patriot, a colossus of a politician and a man to whom we owe so much.

The dream will never die. Scotland is a Country, not a county.

Louise Hogg

And again, his laser-sharp focus on Independence for Scotland, has paid off!

Every global media outlet quoting ‘his last words’ or ‘last speech’ (despite him being given zero notice that ‘this one will go global’), found themselves reporting that:

“Scotland is a country not a county”

and a speech about what OTHER countries had lost, by obstructing Scotland’s aspirations.

Edwin

This brought me to tears. Beautifully put.

Jontoscots21

A lion amongst lice. A thinking, breathing emotionally intelligent colossus compared to the second rate dullards who tried to destroy him. They tried to pull him down and he rose above them. Stu I have read so many snide obituaries of our greatest leader that I thirsted for your take. My broken heart was healed somewhat by your reference to the fact that our great Alexander died in Macedonia speaking up for Scotland while his and our snivelling betrayers turned up to glorify Starmer’s sop taking shop. Alexander the Great versus Dugdale the dafty, Swinney the snide , and Sturgeon the sellout. I say all this as someone only convinced to vote yes by Salmond’s advocacy of the case.

Bolton Lad

Just for context, I’m an Englishman who thinks that Scotland’s futures is best served as part of the Union. But I strongly feel that it’s an issue that should be decided by Scots, and Scots alone.Having said that I mourn the death of Alex Salmond, arguably the most complete and accomplished politician of the last fifty years. His treatment by the SNP is beneath contempt. Hopefully, they will all get what is coming to them.Alex Salmond – a giant amongst pygmies.Rest in peace.

Last edited 3 months ago by Bolton Lad
wally jumblatt

Who would want a state funeral organised by an unloved state apparatus. Let his family organise the funeral and let the people line the streets.
Even then Police Scotland would stick their noses in.

Bob Beattie

Great tribute!

Michael Laing

I too was absolutely disgusted by that SNP ‘tribute’ which I saw posted on Facebook, and in my comment on it I used similar words to yours regarding the SNP’s ruining of Alex’s reputation, erasing of him from its history and trashing and squandering of his legacy. Absolute hypocrisy on stilts. They haven’t a scintilla of shame.

David Taylor

I just hope someone somewhere decides to carry on with his legal action against the ("Tractor" - Ed)s somehow ( as in you Stu)
I will gladly contribute to any sort of crowdfund for this and for a Scottish state funeral as befitting the man..he was Scotland for all of us … Heartbroken and angry

Ian McCubbin

Such a fitting summary of him as a man, politician, and statesman for Scotland and the world.
Live on in our hearts and the cause he fought so long and hard for.

Dodds

the Burns is very fitting I dint know it. finally shed the tears that have been choking me since I heard the news. We should remember his constructive positivity as we go forward as the best way to honour his work for Scotland.

Andy Ellis

From your lips to God’s ears Stu. We should all resolve to use our sense of deep sorrow and outrage at what was done to Alex and support the campaign to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done in relation to the wretched political pygmies and ingrates within our own movement who contributed to this.

Alison Ross

I’ve never cried over the death of a politician before but Alex was a good man! He was a giant! Let’s hope the truth will out soon. RIP

Kathleen

Thank you for always being honest and highlighting the evil that Alex was up against and for always protecting his honour from viscious lies .
I have followed Alex’s political carreer very closely from the early 70’s and proud to say he never gave me cause to doubt his honesty or his commitment to Scotland ‘s cause .
Your tribute to him on the page could not be more fitting or said more elequently .
That is a comfort to myself and I’m sure many others who knew the worth of Alex Salmond and are now heartbroken.
For me he has been and still is Scotland’s rightful leader.. and in his memory I hope many wrongs can be righted !

Graeme Wilson

Although I’m disbarred from connecting with you on X, Rev Stuart. This is a beautiful tribute to Alex, may he rest in peace ??

Alan Thomson

I hope you will be able to co-operate with David Davis to get some justice for Alex Salmond against those who conspired to try to jail him.

Andrew F

Well written, fitting tribute.

Sadly the world is again at war. The powerful global elite against the rest of us, even though they work tirelessly to try to make us hate each other.

Very much looking forward to this:

“…secure the justice and vindication that he didn’t live to see for himself.”

PS: Just today after hearing the news, I thought Craig Murray would have achieved so much more if he had just come straight out, all guns blazing, naming names and shaming right in the faces of the guilty. What’s the worst that they could have done to him? Put him in jail? And what percentage of the public still has no idea who the real villians are.

Cuilean

It feels like a death in my own family.

GordyA

I’m awa for a greet.

Willie

A lovely tribute Stu and the choice of poetry at the end has words so utterly apt.

We were so very lucky to have him.

ABruce

Craig Murray ends his obit with a sentiment that uplifts the spirits somewhat: “Heaven just got more fun. At least Alex will never have to worry about seeing his perjured accusers there,”

ScottieDog

A dark day. I was in my local shop when someone mentioned it yesterday. The people around me weren’t pro-indy types, but all did seem to acknowledge him as something of an icon.
i never met him, but his political acumen was inspiring, and he certainly motivated me to vote YES in 2014. Sincere condolences to Alex’ family and close friends.. ?

Big Jock

Tragic. The last 5 years must have taken its toll on him. Gone , but like Wallace, Bruce, Burns and Winnie, never ever forgotten.

Jacqueline

Never. A giant among rascals. It must have been torturous for him and Moira. God bless you Alex.

shug

Bellacaledonia – “his shadow side!!!” A pox on you

When I think of Sturgeon, Swinney, Loyd and Robertsons I smell sulpher.

Jacqueline

Small is just that. I as woman who was active in my younger days there was not a sniff of impropriety. We tell each other. He was a decent man who will be very sorely missed.

Ian Brotherhood

Transcription of the Afshin Rattansi tribute, as broadcast last night on RT.

Off-Topic Scotland | Alex Salmond – a tribute by RT’s Afshin Rattansi (offtopicscotland.com)

aLurker

Informational comment: cross posted from the previous thread.

If people are not aware, it is technically quite easy to continue watching the banned and blocked online TV channels like RT.
The simple technical solution is to find one of various proxy sites that operate for free.
So your browser can connect to the proxy, then the proxy relays the content from somewhere else, in this case from RTs servers.
So for example one might search for Afshin Rattansi s name thus:
link to odysee.com
And chose to watch the piece thus:
link to odysee.com

John

I do not think we will see his like again. He was a political giant and all we are left with are a bunch of grifters, who would struggle to get a job in real life.

Vestas

Way back in 1982 I found myself at a Scotland vs East Germany match (we won but it was dire) and in the same seating as us were John Smith and a host of labour up and coming aspirants.

Just along from that was a 20-something economist who looked like he’d escaped from a young tories conference he was so out of place.

My dad asked someone “who’s that?” and got the reply from John Smith – “That’s Alec Salmond, he’s a man to watch”.

Not wrong.

bob mcpherson

“Wings will do everything in its power in the days and weeks and months to come to help secure the justice and vindication that he didn’t live to see for himself.”
I’d be very happy to contribute to any funds needed. Thank you for this heartfelt tribute Stu. My tears had just begun to dry but now in full flow again.

Westendwino

A fitting tribute. An incredible loss for Scotland.

We must continue the fight.

David Beveridge

The Gaffer was a true giant, certainly in the top 3 greatest ever Scotsmen. Those who tried to destroy him would struggle to get themselves noticed on Lilliput in comparison. History will remember him while at the same time saying, “John who?… N_____ Who?…”

agent X

R.I.P Alex.

The Scottish Information Commissioner requires disclosure of Scottish Government legal advice on failed freedom of information appeal.

The Commissioner’s decision requires that information be disclosed by 26 October 2024.

For all their weasel words let’s see if the SNP Government now comply.

Joan Neilson

His leaving Holyrood left us with a government of incompetents who were unfortunately also liars desperate to stop him from coming back. He was a man to be admired and is irreplaceable. He was the best of them

Lord pakora

I was at York races in 2000 and pointed Salmond out to a friend. He must have heard my accent, because he walked up, offered his hand and said “Alex Salmond, had any winners?” We talked about horses for about 10 minutes and a few minutes on football too. Not a word about politics, never looked at his watch. He was one of us.

Graeme

Well done Stuart, am just greetin.

Andy Ellis

I’ve seen quite a few folk posting in various places that they hope one of the consequences of Alex’s untimely death will be that pro-independence forces will begin to re-unite again.

I have to say I’m horrified by the suggestion. Maybe it’s still too raw, too unexpected, but I’m just not ready to forgive and forget.

Like many others I will never forgive those within in our own movement who by their actions doubtless contributed to his loss.

We will see them brought to justice.

Before reconciliation, there must first be truth, sincere contrition from the guilty, judgement and penalties.

?That should be something we can all unite around.

Gman

Your position only makes sense if you are still kidding yourself that the people who tried to take down Salmond and currently run the SNP are “pro-independence”.

It’s not that the pro-indy movement fractured and needs reunited, it’s that a significant portion of it consisted of what is effectively unionist moles that simply needs ejecting.

Last edited 3 months ago by Gman
Geri

Exactly.

There was no more evidence of that than them deliberately setting out to divide & conquer the YES movement itself by setting up its own events to deliberately clash & undermine AUOB on the same dates.

Then there was the rejection of Ash Regan. Independence right there on the table – they fell over themselves to see who could row back the fastest across all media platforms.

The NuSNP are unionists. Not independence supporters. They favour devolution which is just a con because they know that’ll never happen either. They even appointed the author of the fucking vow – TWICE.

When the TRA shit took over they even openly bragged to “Fuck Independence” as the pampers brigade constructed a hit list of who they wanted removed from Holyrood & Westminster while Sturgeon ran to get them all a blankie.

That’s the SNP supporters & organisers..

As for MSP/MP they’re just as captured. Ample opportunity to walk, challenge, rebel, show integrity & principles but did nothing. It was only Ash who stood by her principles & stepped down.

Anyone advocating Indy need to put their differences aside with the NuSNP is not anyone serious about independence. It’d be like asking Indy to embrace & welcome the Tories to run our campaigns. Instant kiss of death to any endeavor.

Jeremy Wickins

What a beautiful obituary, Stu. Thank you!

diabloandco

Thank you for this superb tribute.

Ronnie Leitch

My heroes are Gerry Rafferty, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Kris kristofferson, Alex Salmond and Stuart Campbell I wept reading your tribute.

100%Yes

I weep for Alex and cry for Scotland that’s how important he was.

If the last ten years has told us any thing its that our modern politicians don’t have the skill our the will to see past their own greed and if they did they’d notice there’s an even bigger treasure trove at he end of the tunnel.

When Alex spoke only a fool never listened, for me the SNP is full of fools.

Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.

Tracey

Thank you Rev for these beautiful words and thoughts. Gutted at his passing. Thank you as well for saying you will help secure the justice and vindication that he didn’t live to see himself.

Bevrijdingsdag

Thank you.

Carol Neill

That’s the most heartfelt tribute I’ve read all day
I knew I was wishing for nothing when I wanted the shower of shits to piss off with their mealy mouth tributes
And as for that little bitch who wanted to see him die in jail I wish her the longest of lives in jail or hell ,whichever comes first

Fiona

You did him well, you did him proud and in humanity ‘yous’ share. Awerabest & Thanks Rev Stu
Fiona M Brown

Joan B

Thank you for this tribute. My heart is sore, sorer than it was on 19/09/14
RIP to a great Scot, indeed a giant.

Marie Clark

Well done Stu, that can’t have been an easy piece to write. Thank you for doing it so well for the rest of us who maybe can’t express it eloquently
.
To Moira and Alex family and friends my heartfelt condolences. Scotland grieves with you, but your lost will be more keenly felt.

I’m not ashamed to say I’ve shed at tear or two, especially over Burns words at the end of the article.

Goodbye and thank you for everything Alex. You will not be forgotten.

Corzi

Excellent tribute, thanks. For those who have not yet read it here is the link to Craig Murray’s excellent fighting tribute: link to craigmurray.org.uk

Mia

Beautiful tribute, Rev.

Indeed we have lost a giant. The finest politician and First Minister Scotland has ever produced. An irreplaceable figure.

Rest in Peace Mr Salmond. Your passing was far too soon and has left a huge vacuum in statesmanship in Scotland that will be very difficult, if ever possible, to fill.

We should continue the fight. Now with more energy than ever. We cannot let all the work and dedication of this man to the cause of Scotland’s independence go to waste.

Iain Donald

I don’t often leave comments but felt I had to add my voice to this.

Alex Salmond, you ignited the imagination of a Nation and lit a fire that still burns bright. I can’t imagine a Scotland without you in it, but I must. You stand shoulder to shoulder with the greatest heroes of our Nation.

I hope to meet you in the next life and shake your hand.

Thank you and goodbye, you will be missed!

Last edited 3 months ago by Iain Donald
jock mctavish

A great obit. I feel and share your pain. If we stand on the shoulders of giants then they surely are his. The minions running around his feet trying to climb up deserve stood on and crushed, and as for she/her/whatever we should never mention her name again. Until she is held accountable. It would be nice to start with the alpha betties. RIP Alex and condolences to your wife and family.

Last edited 3 months ago by jock mctavish
DavidT

When he lost his seat in 2017, he said, “You’ve not seen the last of my bunnet and me.”

Well, we have now.

Carol Neill

You horrible person , a family have lost their husband and father
I honestly despair of humanity given you are an example

Pipinghot

Aye what a fucking arse.

Zimba

Wo! I didn’t read that as a negative. I read that as a cry of pain and sad honest truth.

Jamie

Very sad news, Scotland really has lost one of the greats we were fortunate enough to have as a Scotsman.

Izzie

Izzie

Izzie

Izzie so very sorry. I saw him work a room at Dynamic Earth Edinburgh during a conference break we delegates were mixing with the general public families on a day out foreigners all were eating out of his hand. A giant of our cause

Alan

I am completely unashamed to admit that I cried when I heard the news. Never met him personally but, via my mum, he wished me all the best for my uni finals in 1992. Never forgotten that!

Geri

A fitting tribute Stu in such difficult times.

I’m numb & keep greeting. That gut wrenching sinking feeling like that experienced on September 19th 2014 when he stepped down but this time there’s no coming back..

Scotland has lost a giant, a mentor , a font of all knowledge & a true statesman no matter where he was & he’s irreplaceable. A real man of the people, as you say, regardless of whether it was a grand town hall or just down the pub. Fae diplomats & dignitary to Indy dugs & weans.

He gave the Unicorn a good shake & woke it from its long slumber – for a split moment in time a majority for YES took the red pill & there was no going back. Scotland was bouncing with optimism & hope – for the first time in 300 yrs we’d actually something to vote for. The summer was hot & the Commonwealth games were on. Scotland was buzzing. Alex Salmond did that. He did it all with one mandate too & a handful of MPs, as shown by later yrs – he did it all on his own with a bunch of backstabbers & bad actors waiting to capitulate back to London rule the moment he stepped down & kill off all the good work he had done & return us back into our box & the hum drum of our shite state of affairs.

RIP Alex, gone but will never be forgotten. Sincere condolences to his widow & to all of his tue friends of which there are legion xx

I’m reminded of this from an interview he gave a while back to the Big Issue. He regretted resigning. I believe we’d be independent by now if he’d stayed on …

In typical Salmond style, though, it’s a moment of peak hope he chooses to dwell on. “For me, 2014 was the best of times and the worst of times,” he recalls, a tad dreamily. “The worst because of what happened in the end. But there was a wonderful day when I realised we were in with a real chance. I was in Dundee and I saw a big queue of folk standing in the sun beside the statue of Desperate Dan.

“I asked a guy why he was queueing and he said he was waiting to register to vote. I asked why he wasn’t on the register and he said: ‘Listen, I haven’t been on the register since the poll tax. We’re here because for the first time there’s something worth voting for.’ That was a real moment. That was a real manifestation of something. I knew, despite the commentators and charlatans, I knew… we had a chance to win.”

link to bigissue.com

Alison

The Burns’ quote to finish fairly did me in. A beautiful article capturing the true man.

Sandy Howden

As a Yoon up until the referendum I always thought that the SNP were a capable government. After Alex left the Nu-SNP began a scorched earth policy which AS would never have done. Another thanks I would like to give my fellow Hearts supporter AS is a big thank you for stepping in and writing to Lithuania asking them to forego on the valuation they were putting on Hearts therefor allowing the Hearts to be free of them over there and start again fresh in Scotland. For that alone I thank Alex Salmond. RIP and we pray to god he in some way gets justice to the terrible injustice put on him by his so called friends. It is absolutely sickening but not surprised by the guff coming out of all their mouths.

Portysoul

I concur, well said.

Martin

Thank you for writing that Rev.

I was hugely impressed with the way Alex Salmond conducted himself when he came to Orkney in 2014. He went off script on the radio and invited the whole of Orkney to lunch. 150 people turned up and he answered every question he was asked, completely off the cuff, and made an obvious effort to speak to every person in the room (including the staff). He clearly understood all the local issues and had a genuinely inspiring vision of the future. If only that future had come to be.

I took a publicity photo of him with a group of young voters for Yes Orkney, and at the last second he uttered a zinger which made everyone laugh and surprised me so much I nearly forgot to press the shutter!

Massive respect to Alex for never giving up. We should follow his example.

Gutted he’s gone.

Chic McGregor

Great and fitting tribute for a great and greatly wronged man.

Think I have shed more tears this weekend than I did for the Indyref1 result.

Oh and our Sober for October which was going so well has collapsed in an unexpected but much needed bout of self-medication. Hopefully we will get back on track and do the lost days in November.

I did not know him personally, only in the briefest of encounters during election campaigns.

However, I was planning to finish sculpting a golf marker which would have been cast in silver, for his 70th on Hogmanay as a personal tribute. On the back it was to be inscribed Scottish Hero Forever.

Alas, not to be.

AlexMarker
Gman

Fear not, it shall be the prototype for the first issue of the Scottish Smackeroony.

Chic McGregor

As you can probably tell by looking, I tend to work from top to bottom, putting surplus material on and then ‘scraping back’ to requirement so the bottom half is material applied but not worked on.

ben madigan

“Think I have shed more tears this weekend than I did for the Indyref1 result”.
Bearing a clan name, I feel Scotland’s pain and sorrow.
Mr Salmond died swiftly in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Ireland’s 1916 leaders died swiftly (in a volley of English bullets).
Lift up your hearts and stride on towards Independence. That’s what he would have wanted.
That’s what we did!

Alan

I am a Unionist in Scotland but will miss Alex dearly. He was the greatest leader we ever had and a rare example of a politician who genuinely respected and understood the average Scot. Most importantly, he knew how to debate and disagree with others respectfully and without any hint of moral judgement towards his opponent – this I believe was actually his most subtle but effective persuasive power. It is a quality that is so badly needed now, particularly in Holyrood. Scottish politics has become the home of political discourse that is so dreadfully mediocre by comparison and those who have come to occupy his shadow owe a greater debt to Alex than they will ever admit. For Scotland, his influence and character will be desperately missed.

SteepBrae

‘Most importantly, he knew how to debate and disagree with others respectfully and without any hint of moral judgement towards his opponent…’

Absolutely.

Yesterday, in his speech at the Cultural Diplomacy Forum, Alex explained why this respect is so important. He ssid:

“You certainly need leadership because usually to get that [legal] framework in place requires the leaders of various parties or countries or factions to go beyond their own particular interest and try to understand the interests of the other side”.

His final words spoke volumes:

“…respect for legitimate democratic aspirations leads to good outcomes. Disrespecting it in one way or another, and often surprisingly, can lead to bad outcomes for everyone”.

Alan

Thanks for sharing these words – amazing to hear that he embodied this spirit to the end of his life, what a wonderful legacy for the man to give us. We badly need this kind of respect and ‘tolerance’ (in the true meaning of the word).

ridstar

Can’t believe this has happened. Big shoes for someone to fill,if they can. He is irreplacable.

ridstar

*irreplaceable

Jacqueline

Yes

Calum

I don’t have much to say that hasn’t already been said above. Lovely piece Stuart and glad you redacted any mention of that witch. May she burn in hell.

Alex sneddon

Wonderful piece.

Antoine Roquentin

Thank you very much for your heartfelt words, Stuart. Your, to my mind, very accurate description of Alex, brought back many pleasant memories of the man. A true gentleman. Irreplaceable.

Ian

When will we see his likes again.

Southernbystander

Around 2013 I was driving up from Yorkshire, up the east coast to the Orkney ferry and turned on the radio which defaulted to BBC Scotland and Alex Salmond was being interviewed. Like most English I think, to that point I had not taken a huge amount of notice of the independence question but on the whole thought the ‘better together’ idea made sense and the nationalist politicians I had heard did not appeal, in the same way people like NS never would. My first though was oh, here will be another ‘nationalist’.

But there was Alex coming across as a thoroughly likeable man, the sort you could have a great talk with no matter your view on Scotland’s autonomy. I was very impressed by him including his arguments and general worldview but also his attitude to England and the English which was clearly very friendly, and I liked him thereafter. I came across a few other Scots on that trip and in summer 2014 in Galloway who were also up for a genuinely friendly chat about the matter and having heard Alex, it made me more open too. I remember one couple in a hotel who I got on with great and wished them success in the referendum. I subsequently changed my view to being a supporter.

holymacmoses

That’s a fine eulogy Mr Wings.
Thanks.

Fiona

That’s a beautiful and fitting tribute Stu. Simply cannot believe he’s gone. Seems surreal to think that the Ayes Still have it was so recent… and that he was in such good form for it, the show was brilliant, conjuring up the mood that’s been missing since 2014 to be quite frank. He asked me “have you commented yet?!!” I had and told him I thought the whole concept was brilliant, and the show was just superb! Fergus Ewing especially was really on fire! I truly hope that Fergus’ words come true and that those responsible for so much underhand goings on will be held to account and that Alex’s name and character will once and for all be completely cleared. And I feel certain that you will play your part in that given time… you are so right, our hearts are indeed sore without him.

JOSEPH WILSON

Absolutely we owe it to Alex’s family to carry on the fight.
It has been a terrible weekend. RIP Alex.

Scott

Even though I live far away, Alex Salmond has been part of my life since I became aware of this website and the campaign for an independent Scotland.

I always enjoyed and looked forward to every episode of the Alex Salmond Show. The positivity and unwavering commitment always shone through.

We never met, Alex, but thank you for being such good company over the years. I’m sure history will be on your side.

Lorna Campbell

Wonderful tribute to our greatest hero and Scottish son of modern times, Rev. Broken hearted. Taken far too soon. We are all going to miss him so much. Condolences to his wife, Moira, and the family.

Stevie

Words… none that replace Alex Salmod but his legacy is that independence is a serious goal rather than a fringe fancy. The SNP is rubbish but eventually another party will arrise and get the job done – the tangible goal continues, that is his legacy.

ZeZe

Read Bella Caledonia piece and unsubscribed.

Robert Matthews

Me too.

Umpteenth Steve

Thank you for this fine tribute, Stu. If I’m picking you up right, it sounds like Alex’s friends have plans to ensure his enemies don’t profit from his all too convenient death. I for one would dig deep if there’s an appeal for legal funds to finish what he started.

Anthem

I would imagine around 50% of the nation would support that idea.
I would also like to see everyone who attends his funeral carry a Saltire, if the family allows.

Andouilette

You might be surprised, I am unionist through and through but would certainly support an appeal for legal funds. His memory deserves justice and the Horrors should not be allowed to get away with what they have done. I suspect there are many on the same ‘side’ as me who would feel the same.

Alin Scot

A rather bitter piece showing the measure of Kenny Farquarson, in today’s Sunday Times. Completely tasteless and lacking in any decorum whatsoever while the Salmond family comes to terms with their raw grief.

diabloandco