Elgin, Forres, Buckie and Huntly visits from Alex Salmond shown in archive pictures
Photographs from The Forres Gazette archives show Alex Salmond, who died at the weekend aged 69, during his visits to the Moray area.
Mr Salmond, who represented the neighbouring seats of Banff and Buchan and Gordon, was captured by our staff photographers in locations including Elgin, Forres, Buckie and Huntly among others.
Leading Moray political figures have paid tributes to the former First Minister after his shock death.
Mr Salmond - who led the SNP twice over a total of more than 20 years, was First Minister from 2007 to 2014, and led the Alba Party from 2021 until his death - passed away in North Macedonia on Saturday at the age of 69.
He represented the Banff and Buchan constituency in the UK Government for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010, as well as in Holyrood from 1999 until 2001.
He was Gordon’s MP from 2015 until 2017 - also working as the area’s MSP from 2007 until 2011.
The politician had a column in The Forres Gazette’s sister paper The Banffshire Journal for more than 20 years.
Moray West Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter said: “There is no doubt Alex Salmond had a massive impact on Scottish politics over many years, and that he seriously advanced the independence cause.
“His sudden death is a shock to the nation.
“My condolences are with those closest to him.”
Moray’s SNP MSP Richard Lochhead paid tribute to his former “mentor and boss”.
He said: “I’m shocked to learn that we have lost Alex Salmond - for so many years my mentor, boss and huge influence in my life.
“Most importantly he was a giant of Scotland, our story and transformed the SNP and got us closer than ever to independence.
“My deepest condolences to Moira and family.”
Douglas Ross, who represents Moray as MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “Alex Salmond made a huge impact in the north east as MP and MSP, and across the whole country as First Minister.
“While we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Moira and his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
