HE may have failed in his aim to take Scotland out of the UK, but Alex Salmond has been praised as the man who changed "Britain for the better".

The tribute came from Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, who also said the public, even those who voted No, should "tip our hats" to the departing SNP leader.

Others described him as a "formidable statesman" and a man whose "door was always open" as First Minister.

Figures from the world of ­politics, business and public life spoke after Mr Salmond announced his decision to stand down in the wake of yesterday's referendum defeat.

David Cameron and Better Together leader Alistair Darling were among the first to recognise his achievements.

Mr Cameron said the SNP leader, who will formally stand down in November, was a politician of "huge talent and passion".

He praised his effectiveness as First Minister and his ability to "always fights his corner".

He added: "While we disagree profoundly about his goal of a separated Scotland, and many other things, I respect and admire his huge contribution to politics and public life."

Mr Darling praised his re­ferendum opponent for transforming the SNP into a party of government and delivering the independence vote "they had craved so long".

He said: "He can look back with pride on being the longest-serving First Minister and to the huge contribution he has made to public life in Scotland. I wish him well in the future."

Former SNP leader Gordon Wilson, Mr Salmond's deputy and likely successor Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney and leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie, who also campaigned for independence, also paid tribute.

Mr Wilson said: "Alex Salmond fought a brilliant referendum campaign. It is not his fault that the Scottish people did not vote for independence on this occasion.

"The winning of 45 per cent of the vote in the Scottish independence referendum is a superlative achievement. He is undoubtedly the greatest Scottish politician of his generation."

Ms Sturgeon said: "Alex Salmond's achievements as SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister are second to none.

"The personal debt of ­gratitude I owe Alex is immeasurable. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years.

"Quite simply, I would not have been able to do what I have in politics without his constant advice, guidance and support through all these years."

Mr Harvie said: "It's no secret that the Scottish Green Party and I haven't always agreed with Alex Salmond about a range of policy issues, but nobody in Scottish politics can doubt his commitment to the cause of Scottish independence, or the impact he has had not only within Scotland, but also on a movement which still has the potential to reshape politics throughout these islands."

Councillor David O'Neill, president of Scotland's local authority body Cosla, said: "Whatever your political views, nobody can dispute that Alex Salmond was both a fantastic politician and a formidable statesman.

"Although challenging on ­occasion, I have enjoyed working with him and I wish him all the best for the future."

President of the Law Society of Scotland, Alistair Morris, said Mr Salmond's achievements "cannot be underestimated".

He added: "His passion for Scotland, his commitment to creating a fairer and more prosperous society and his formidable debating skills, both at Holyrood and Westminster, have been at the heart of Scottish politics for over 30 years.

"He has also been a proud and effective ambassador for Scotland on the world stage."

Andy Willox, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Alex Salmond has made a huge contribution to Scottish public life. His door was always open for the FSB and small businesses."