Late SNP leader drove party to power and country to brink of independence but left a fractured legacy

• Alex Salmond, former first minister of Scotland, dies aged 69
• Alex Salmond – a life in pictures

The flags on the Scottish parliament building were lowered on Saturday evening to mark the passing of Alex Salmond, who transformed the Scottish National party and led Scotland to the brink of independence as first minister.

Voices cross-party and around the world rushed to praise the achievements of this consummate and divisive politician, who dominated the Scottish political landscape for decades. And within the SNP itself, which he moulded into a dynamic, confident, election-winning operation, there was shock and raw grief.