Tributes pour in as farming world remembers Alex Salmond

Speaking to The Scottish Farmer, the Morayshire MSP reflected on the sudden passing of the Alba leader, aged 69, in Macedonia on Saturday, October 12. Mr Lochhead who served as cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, among other roles, under Mr Salmond said: “Alex Salmond was the most talented and impactful politician of his generation who made his mark in both his beloved Scotland and beyond in the UK and Europe.

“He was a force of nature – full of energy, drive and commitment – and it’s difficult to imagine such a bright light being extinguished.”

Despite having such responsibility at a national level, Mr Lochhead sensed that it was his role as a representative for the North East that came first for Mr Salmond.

“He certainly had a reputation for championing the agricultural and rural sectors and I remember that he liked nothing better than attending the local shows to have a laugh and joke with farmers and their families. He valued his chats with his local Buchan farmers at the likes of the Turriff Show that he attended every year to hear their concerns as much as he did the cut and thrust of politics in Holyrood or the House of Commons.”

When appointed into Mr Salmond’s inaugural cabinet as rural affairs secretary, Mr Lochhead was told by the new First Minister that he must ‘attach enormous importance to our farming and food sectors’.

Mr Lochhead explained: “We may not have spoken as much in recent years due to being in different political parties, but as an outstanding leader with a formidable intellect, Alex played a huge role in delivering our Scottish Parliament and a Scottish Government that, in turn, defended our farmers’ interests over the past 25 years.

“I pay tribute to what he achieved for Scotland and the SNP, and on a more personal level for the trust he placed in myself. I offer my deepest condolences to Alex’s loved ones.”

Executive manager at SAMW, Scott Walker, who worked with Mr Salmond’s during Mr Walker’s time as chief executive of NFUS, said: “Alex Salmond was a towering figure in Scottish and British politics whose influence and legacy will be felt for generations to come.

“I had the privilege of meeting him many times, and it was clear he understood the importance of balanced, well-considered policies that addressed both immediate needs and future challenges.”

Mr Walker referenced Mr Salmond’s promotion of the food and drink industry, highlighting his advocacy for the rural way of life and stating that he understood a strong agricultural sector was crucial to both the economy and Scottish identity. “His support for these industries reflected his broader vision of a prosperous and sustainable Scotland,” he said.

“In his later years, Alex Salmond faced significant personal and political challenges. While these events brought scrutiny, today our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”

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NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of former First Minister Alex Salmond following his sudden death at the weekend. At a national level, NFU Scotland had the opportunity to meet and work with Mr Salmond on several occasions during his two spells as First Minister.

“In his role, Mr Salmond delivered a passionate, witty, and eloquent toast to Scottish agriculture at NFU Scotland’s centenary AGM in 2013. In his time as First Minister, he also hosted the media launch of a campaign for fair milk prices at his residence, Bute House.

“But many grass-roots members over the years will have also had the opportunity to meet with him, not just in his role as First Minister but as MP and MSP for the rural constituencies of Banff and Buchan and, latterly, Gordon. Over many years, he was a regular attendee at agricultural shows in his constituency, taking part in meetings and debates round the table with regional officeholders and local farmers.”

Mr Salmond presided over Scotland as FM for 17 years, across two spells, and in that time regularly described Scotland’s rural industry as a ‘crucial economic driver for Scotland’ and that ‘its importance to Scotland cannot be underestimated’.

In 2013, he challenged Defra, calling on David Cameron, the then-Prime Minister, to renegotiate an arrangement that saw £1.4m diverted from the Scottish meat promotion budget each year, and ‘to do the right thing for Scots livestock producers’.

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