article: Despite always affirming a strong bond with Scotland, she was a divisive political figure. First Minister Alex Salmond said Baroness Thatcher was "truly formidable". Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, also paid tribute saying she was "one of the truly great Prime Ministers". Mr Salmond said the former Conservative Party Prime Minister's "policies defined a political generation" for many people in Scotland. "No doubt there will now be a renewed debate about the impact of that legacy", he continued. By Brian TaylorPolitical editor, Scotland She never quite got Scotland. However, Margaret Thatcher is not alone among Westminster leaders in that regard. For the most part, she was adored by her party in Scotland, just as in England. But, even as they worshipped, quite a few Scottish Tories fretted that her politics would prove particularly divisive north of the border and thus electorally unpopular. Read more on Brian's blog "Today, however, the proper reaction should be respect and condolences to her family." Ms Davidson praised Lady Thatcher's policies, including extending the right for people to buy their council house. Ruth Davidson said: "She defended Britain's sovereignty, helped win the cold war, empowered thousands to own their own home by democratising property ownership and smashed the glass ceiling. "My thoughts are with her family." Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said: "I came into politics to fight the ideology and values of Margaret Thatcher which I believe damaged our country. But today is not a day to debate that. "Today is a day to offer the deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who loved her. "No-one can deny she made a deep mark on the history of this country." Under Baroness Thatcher's leadership the Conservative government implemented social and economic policies which were unpopular in Scotland, including the Community Charge or poll tax. The introduction of the poll tax, which took place in Scotland in 1989 - 12 months before the rest of the UK, led to widespread protests and a lasting animosity towards the Conservative party in Scotland. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, served as Secretary of State for Scotland in her cabinet, said many of her major achievements also continued to be reflected in public opinion. He told BBC Scotland: "In a sense what made her so magnificent is occasionally what made her a very difficult and controversial character because she had very strong views, she put them forward uncompromisingly. "She didn't mind being challenged, indeed she would listen with great care if she thought the person challenging her actually knew what they were talking about and she could change her mind and opinions, but only on the basis of solid evidence and solid argument. "She would not be influenced by the fact it would be unpopular. That she despised, as well as disapproved of." Baroness Thatcher's economic policy was also praised by Iain McMillan, director of CBI Scotland. He said: "It is all too easy to overlook the dreadful state that the UK economy was in at that time and the challenges that she and her government faced. "Through sheer tenacity and immense
summary: Scottish politicians have paid tribute to Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman Prime Minister, who has died.