A "POLITICAL colossus", "a titan of Scottish independence", "a towering figure", "one of the greatest political thinkers" – wide-ranging tributes to Alex Salmond acknowledge his status as Scotland’s political giant who “left a fundamental footprint on Scottish politics” (First Minister John Swinney).

Alex was present when King Charles III marked 25 years since devolution and the King’s tribute on Alex’s passing pinpointed his distinctive, profound quality: “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service."

Beyond politics, at which he excelled, or a desire for power in a career marked latterly by mixed fortunes, Alex Salmond was motivated by his inspirational love for Scotland.

Recognised by Keir Starmer as “a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”, Alex’s legacy is this country’s renewed sense of nationhood and confidence to run our own affairs – domestically and on the European and global stage. In a politically astute sleight of hand, one of Alex’s early acts as First Minister in 2007 was to change the name of the ‘Scottish Executive’ to the ‘Scottish Government’, making it plain: Scotland would be governed via Holyrood, not simply administered.

Scotland has lost a strategically brilliant politician and a charismatic, witty debater who was on sparkling form on Radio 4’s Any Questions? last month, winning arguments and applause.

Above all, as a loyal servant, he loved and respected the wisdom and good sense of Scotland’s people.

Ten years ago, crushed by defeat in the referendum he led, Alex resigned as First Minister. Having conceded that the people of Scotland were not – yet – ready for independence, he nonetheless foresaw that “the dream shall never die”. Within days a dramatic, politically unprecedented turnaround unfolded in the autumn of 2014: 100,000 people picked up the independence baton, joined the SNP and, months later, Alex won one of the SNP’s 56 (out of 59) Westminster seats. As Alex put it: “The Scottish lion has roared." One of his last tweets, dealing with Labour’s new Council of the Nations and Regions, declared: “Scotland is a country, not a county.”

It is both deeply sad but also characteristic of Salmond’s internationalist vision that he should have died while presenting a Scottish perspective abroad: Alex was in an international forum, speaking as a proud Scot, as he drew his last breath.

A page has turned and independence supporters inhabiting a post-2014/post-Brexit landscape will write the next chapter fulfilling Alex Salmond’s legacy: independence isn’t a minority pursuit but a normal, modern ambition held fiercely in their hearts and minds by increasing numbers of Scotland’s people.