Renfrewshire remembers former first minister Alex Salmond following heart attack

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Renfrewshire is this week remembering “a giant of Scottish politics” as tributes are paid to the former first minister Alex Salmond.The 69-year-old died of a heart attack after delivering a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday afternoon.Politicians from across the political divide in Renfrewshire have sought to pay their condolences following the death of Mr Salmond, who was the leader of the SNP between 1990-2000 and again between 2004-2014.Renfrewshire Council leader, SNP politician Iain Nicolson, knew Mr Salmond in a personal capacity, having campaigned with him in Paisley.

He said: “Alex Salmond came to prominence with the ‘79 group who wanted the SNP to be a left of centre party which I believe set the SNP on course to winning in central Scotland in 1979.

The same year I joined.“I came home one day to find him sitting in my house with Jim Sillars and Margaret Ewing to campaign in my council election campaign in 1990, the same year the two Paisley Westminster by-elections occurred. “He was a natural on the doorstep and was equally happy to be driven about in my work van around Paisley.

The SNP vote increased significantly and was a bellwether event for future success. His drive, enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature made him a natural leader of not just a party but a movement. “The suddenness of his passing will be extremely difficult for his family and my condolences to Moira and his family.”Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced