Politicians and figures from across the business community have paid tribute to Alex Salmond after he announced his resignation as First Minister.
The news that Mr Salmond would quit his post as leader of the SNP and First Minister came at a press conference at his official residence Bute House in Edinburgh following the loss of the independence referendum.
Tributes were paid by Mr Salmond’s rivals Prime Minister David Cameron and Better Together leader Alistair Darling, as well as former SNP leader Gordon Wilson, Mr Salmond’sdeputy and likely successor Nicola Sturgeon, Finance Secretary John Swinney and Scottish Greens leader Patrick Harvie.
Mr Cameron said: “Alex is a politician of huge talent and passion. He has been an effective First Minister and always fights his corner.
“While we disagree profoundly about his goal of a separated Scotland, and many other things, I respect and admire his huge contribution to politics and public life.”
Mr Darling said: “Alex Salmond is a formidable political figure. He transformed the SNP into a party of government and delivered their referendum onindependence which they had craved so long.
“Today he has accepted Scotland’s verdict, recognising that it is for others in his party to take the SNP forward.
“He has rightly said that the referendum was a once-in-a-lifetime event and that we all need to work to bring Scotland together.
“He can look back with pride on being the longest-serving First Minister and to the huge contribution he has made to public life in Scotland. I wish him well in the future.”
Mr Wilson said: “Alex Salmond fought a brilliant referendum campaign. The winning of 45% of the vote in the Scottish independence referendum is a superlative achievement.
“It is a mark of Alex’s integrity that he has taken personal responsibility. He is undoubtedly the greatest Scottish politician of his generation.
“He has led the SNP with distinction over a 20-year period and made a tremendous contribution.”
Ms Sturgeon said: “Alex Salmond’s achievements as SNP leader and Scotland’s First Minister are second to none. The personal debt of gratitude I owe Alex is immeasurable. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years.
“Quite simply, I would not have been able to do what I have in politics without his constant advice, guidance and support through all these years.
“Alex’s announcement today inevitably raises the question of whether I will be a candidate to succeed him as SNP leader.
“I can think of no greater privilege than to seek to lead the party I joined when I was just 16. However, that decision is not for today.”
Mr Swinney tweeted: “Thank you @AlexSalmond for your outstanding leadership in winning Govt and persuading 1.6 million people to vote Yes. It has been a privilege.”
Mr Harvie said: “It’s no secret that the Scottish Green Party and I haven’t always agreed with Alex Salmond about a range of policy issues, but nobody in Scottish politics can doubt his commitment to the cause of Scottish independence, or the impact he has had not only within Scotland, but alsoon a movement which still has the potential to reshape politics throughout these islands.”
Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Willie Rennie said: “People will entirely understand this decision.
“He has exhausted his political purpose. He has been a hugely talented politician and a great communicator.”