SCOTLAND’S political parties have suspended campaigning for the Holyrood election following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The SNP, Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Greens and Alba have all said they will cease campaigning.

Alba and the Tories have confirmed they will resume election activities on Monday when campaigning was due to step up a gear with the publication of the election manifestos by the SNP, the Greens, Labour and the LibDems.

The LibDems have said they will not be holding any election events today, tomorrow or Monday.

Former First Minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond called for a further suspension on the day of the duke’s funeral as a mark of respect.

He said: “On behalf of the Alba Party, my condolences go to Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving consort in history and no-one can question that record of public service.

“The Duke of Edinburgh Awards gave hope and purpose to generations of young people. On a personal level, I found Prince Phillip direct and forthright but always welcoming and with a fine, inquiring mind.”

He added: “As a mark of respect, Alba have suspended all election campaigning for today and public-facing campaigning of leafleting and loud-speakering over this weekend.

“We propose that the same should apply for the day of Prince Philip’s funeral, again as a mark of respect.”

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross confirmed his party would suspend its campaign until Monday.

He said: “In the middle of a political campaign, this is a reminder of what’s most important in life.

“We have lost a tremendous public servant who for decades served his Queen and country. My heartfelt condolences are with Her Majesty and all of the Royal Family. This is not the time for political campaigning. It is a time for national mourning.

“Out of respect for Prince Philip, Her Majesty The Queen and all of the Royal Family, we have suspended our campaign until Monday.”

Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar also announced his party’s campaign would be suspended, and said: “Scotland is today mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who contributed so much to our country.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen following the death of her beloved husband and the entire Royal Family, and on behalf of the Scottish Labour Party I offer our sincerest sympathies.

“Prince Philip had a deep love for Scotland and we will now come together as a country to remember his life and mark his distinguished career.”

Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said: “This marks the end of an outstanding life of 99 years and decades of outstanding public service too. Often colourful, sometimes controversial but always dedicated to his wife, The Queen, and to his country.

“The Duke of Edinburgh scheme in particular will be a specific legacy that will endure for years. It enriched the lives of young people which has a worth before any monetary value. My two sons benefited from it and it helped to make them what they are today. Prince Philip’s passing marks the end of a great life, well lived.

“Out of respect we will suspend our campaign.”

The Greens also suspended their campaign.

The party’s co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “We recognise that the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh will be felt deeply by some across the country and express our sympathies with his family, who join many others who have lost loved ones in this last year.”

A notice announcing the death was posted on the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh.

Tributes were made to Prince Philip by politicians at Westminster.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford MP said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news that Prince Philip has died.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen who has lost her beloved husband – a life partner and a constant companion.

“My thoughts are also with the wider Royal Family, especially the Duke of Edinburgh’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to public service and made a significant contribution to our country. His commitment and devotion to The Queen will be remembered by people across Scotland, the UK and the world.”

Speaking at a podium outside Downing Street yesterday, Boris Johnson said Philip would be remembered for his “steadfast support” of the Queen, as well as his awards scheme which “inspired” countless young people.

The Prime Minister said: “He was an environmentalist and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.

“With his Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.”

In a reference to the duke’s love of carriage driving, Johnson said Philip “helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life”.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK has “lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip”.

Former Prime Ministers also paid tribute to Philip.

Tony Blair said the duke was a “man of foresight, determination and courage” while David Cameron said Philip left an “incredible legacy”, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

Gordon Brown said he had benefited from the duke’s experience early in his career.

Theresa May said: “The nation and the entire Commonwealth owe Prince Philip an extraordinary debt of gratitude for a distinguished life of service to the Queen, our country and so many around the world.”