Reaction to Alex Salmond's decision to step down as leader of the Scottish National Party has started pouring in - both from his opponents and party colleagues.

Dr John Reid, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: "Alex Salmond's decision to stand down as his party's leader at this juncture obviously comes as a surprise.

"He has led his party with determination and although I disagree with him fundamentally on the future direction that Scotland should take, I nevertheless recognise his commitment to his constituents and to his party.

"His decision to resign given his experience and profile will be a major blow to the SNP in advance of the General Election and will leave Scottish politics the poorer.

"I wish him well in his future endeavours."

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First Minister, Donald Dewar, said: "Like everyone else I am surprised at the news. Alex Salmond has fought hard for his party for 10 years now. He has been a doughty opponent.

I have considerable personal respect for his ability and I am sure he will be missed from the centre stage role he has occupied. I wish him well in what begins to look like a new career."

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David McLetchie, Scottish Conservatives leader, said: "Alex Salmond has made a major contribution to Scottish political life over the past 10 years.

I have a considerable respect and liking for him on both a professional and personal basis, and regret that we will no longer be crossing swords as party leaders in future parliamentary and election debates.

"Nevertheless today's announcement confirms that the SNP has failed to make any significant progress since the inception of the Scottish Parliament.

After a bitterly disappointing election campaign and with the SNP on the road to nowhere, it is little wonder that Alex has decided to call it a day.

"Local election results over the past year underline that the SNP has failed as the self styled 'official' opposition, and that the people of Scotland now recognise that it is the Scottish Conservatives who speak up for them on the issues that really matter.

Under Mr Salmond's stewardship the SNP's internal problems have also become more apparent by the day. They are divided from top to bottom with political and personal disputes, and are far too busy fighting amongst themselves to hold the executive to account.

"It is now clearer than ever that we are the real opposition to the Lib/Lab coalition in the Scottish Parliament."

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John Swinney MSP, Mr Salmond's deputy, said: "I am very sorry to hear of Alex Salmond's decision.

"Under his successful leadership over the last 10 years, the Scottish National Party has achieved a consistently high level of support and has made remarkable progress on the road to Scottish Independence.

"Over the next few days I will consider whether to stand for the National Convenership and will discuss the issue with colleagues and my North Tayside Constituency Association."

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Labour MP and Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson said: "Everyone is entitled to move on and it would be no surprise if the attractions of permanent opposition have waned.

"Mr Salmond leaves his party where he found it - sound-bites and protest votes but going nowhere.

"The Nationalists have more elected politicians now but that is purely because of the electoral system which Labour introduced for the Scottish Parliament.

"They have made no headway in real terms and face another General Election trouncing."

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Jim Wallace MSP, Deputy First Minister and leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: "Over the last decade Alex has played a significant role in Scottish politics.

"He has pursued his party's goals with determination and dedication.

"For me, one of the more significant political memories of the last 10 years is sharing a platform with Alex Salmond and Donald Dewar during the referendum campaign to deliver our Scottish Parliament.

Alex's commitment to that campaign helped underline what politicians from different parties can achieve by working together."

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Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Alex Salmond deserves credit for the way he worked with Liberal Democrat and Labour politicians to help ensure the Yes-Yes vote for the Scottish Parliament in the 1997 referendum.

"It was a shame that he chose not to join the Constitutional Convention.

"Alex Salmond played an important role in Scottish politics.

"He will no doubt be terribly disappointed that he failed to deliver independence for Scotland, but he has performed the difficult task of keeping the different factions in his party together.

"I have always had amicable personal relations with Alex and have enjoyed political tussles with him as he is a courteous and skilful political opponent. I wish him well for the future."

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Iain Lawson, former vice-convener of the SNP and national executive member for 10 years, said: "Alex Salmond was a successful leader of the SNP in many areas but he also had a number of key faults which have caused serious problems and have to be addressed immediately before any leadership contest takes place.

"Any new leader must be able to commence their leadership with a clean slate.

"These issues must include the a full inquiry into the financial position of the party, the need for much more information about the Ian Blackford situation and the fact that Alex Salmond filled the executive of the party with a bunch of "yes" people who rarely, if ever questioned what was going on internally within the party in terms of party democracy."

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Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist Party leader, said: "The resignation of Alex Salmond threatens to push the SNP even further to the right of the political spectrum.

"The prospect of an even more 'business-friendly' leader in the shape of John Swinney opens up huge possibilities for the Scottish Socialist Party to recruit disillusioned SNP members and supporters.

"John Swinney would undoubtedly become the SNP's Tony Blair. Blair turned Old Labour into the New Tories. Mr Swinney would turn the SNP into the New Tartan Tories.

"Those members committed to independence and a socialist Scotland will now be more encouraged than ever to join forces with the Scottish Socialist Party."

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Roseanna Cunningham, SNP justice spokeswoman, said: "For the last 10 years, Alex has given his all to Scotland and to the SNP.

He is standing down at a time when the Scottish Parliament has been secured and the SNP is in its strongest position ever, leading in the opinion polls and well-poised to take Scotland on to independence."

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Gordon Wilson, former SNP leader, said: "I'm not completely surprised, 10 years is a long time to be at the head of a political party especially having presided over the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.

It's a tremendous drain on a personal level. Alex Salmond was a distinguished leader, who will leave a gap at the helm of the party.

It will open the way to fresh leadership and I commend him for his decision."