ALEX Salmond’s place in Scottish history is cemented by his immense contribution to the 25-year-old devolved Scottish Parliament and the independence movement’s push for full self-determination of a normal independent Scotland.

A week after Alex’s passing, his family and closest friends mourn his loss deeply and should be given the space to arrange his funeral and honour his memory. But what about the Scotland he cherished so much? How can we best remember Alex’s significant contribution to our nation, and what can we learn from his vast political acumen?

The incredible respect and kindness shown to Alex and his family during his repatriation from North Macedonia back home to Aberdeenshire was a moving display of respect for our former first minister.

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The dignified conduct of North Macedonia’s government and people, along with tributes from his fellow conference delegates, have forged a bond of friendship with Scotland.

The compassion and swift action of Scottish entrepreneur Tom Hunter and the collaborative efforts of the Scottish, UK, and North Macedonian governments are a testament to Alex’s national and international standing and the power of coming together in times of need.

The gratitude expressed by Alex’s family and friends is echoed formally in my motion of thanks lodged with Parliament, a recognition of the respect and kindness shown by all those who assisted in Alex’s return home.

Friday’s procession of Yes Bikers and miles of cars followed Alex and his family, weaving his way home, past throngs of Scots filling laybys and lining villages to pay their respects to their local hero, a public servant of Aberdeenshire, both in Edinburgh and London, who, as first minister, took his independence party not only into a universally acknowledged competent government in 2007 but also on to the 2011 majority government.

Alex catalysed this SNP majority win to put independence on the ballot paper in the 2014 independence referendum, engaging 84% of eligible voters to the polls.

Suggestions of fitting tributes to Alex (below) have flooded in, which I’m sure his nearest and dearest will duly consider at the appropriate time, but one thing without question is what Alex would want next for Scotland: independence!

Alex loved to share his knowledge of history and had great insight into its lessons for us. A favourite quote from his time in Parliament stands out clearly.

In Cork on January 21, 1885, Charles Stewart Parnell stated: “No man has the right to fix the boundary of a nation.” Parnell never saw Ireland’s independence, but his political will and acumen continued to inspire. I do not doubt that Alex will continue to inspire Scotland.

Scotland’s democratic journey is ongoing as the people determine the direction of our travel. As politicians, it is our responsibility to inspire our people with credibility and competence, demonstrating integrity and that we can be trusted with power, and that we will use power as promised.

To inspire democratic engagement at the levels seen in 2014, we need clear and committed messages. Everyone I have spoken with, from constituents to campaigners, is eager for clarity and commitment – something tangible to vote for.

How can we expect the electorate to be inspired to turn up in their numbers to vote when faced with muddy messaging against a backdrop of negativity? Only clarity and commitment in our messages will guide us constructively forward.

Inspiration is found in robust, respectful dialogue on issues that matter to us.

The Scottish Currency Group conference I attended a few weeks ago was charged with energy from contributions, questions and a commitment to creating solutions.

We must continually challenge and be challenged in our thinking to create constructive solutions.

As Common Weal, which I once worked for, reaches its tenth birthday later this month, it is worth reflecting on the wealth of policy documents created by this small, donations-funded Scottish think tank that dives deeply into issues in working groups and comprehensive consultations – to develop ideas that have helped shape political policies all across our Parliament.

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Beyond the surface of our active independence campaigning lies yet more layers of talent and ideas across industry and civic Scotland that have yet to surface in the mainstream. So, how do we provide a constructive outlet for new talent and ideas? Simple, open the doors.

To reflect again on our history, a Scottish Constitutional Convention was held in 1989, 10 years after Scotland’s first devolution referendum. It published its blueprint for devolution, Scotland’s Parliament, Scotland’s Right, on November 30, 1995, two years before the second devolution vote in Scotland in which, with 74.3% in favour, the Scottish people supported the creation of what we now know as our Scottish Parliament in 1999.

Successive first ministers have promised a new convention since the 2014 independence referendum, yet none have delivered one. As is often the case, people get fed up waiting.

I was interested to hear that Independence Forum Scotland (IFS) is leading the way by organising a National Convention for Scotland’s Future on St Andrew’s Day this year. As Alex predicted, the people, including independence groups across Scotland, did not “meekly go back into the political shadow” after 2014.

The fitting legacy for Alex and many others before him who built the road to independence lies with all of us: to inspire confidence and capability for a Scotland to use our abundant resources for the betterment of all of us.

That takes drive and creativity underpinned by real ambition, not to settle for good enough but to energise hard work to tackle root-cause solutions where “hope” and “change” are more than cheap election slogans.

So instead of being lost or waiting passively for a new hero, let’s collectively energise the active confidence, wisdom, talent and potential of tens of thousands of people, the true force driving real progress, to shape an ambitious and sustainable future for Scotland, by Scotland.