Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland and a prominent figure in the Scottish independence movement, passed away at the age of 69 after collapsing during a speech in North Macedonia. Initial reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack, though a post-mortem examination is planned to confirm the exact cause of death. His unexpected passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across Scotland and the UK, reflecting on his considerable contributions to both Scottish and British politics.
Salmond served as First Minister from 2007 to 2014, earning praise from figures across the political spectrum, including King Charles and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. King Charles expressed deep sadness at Salmond’s death, highlighting his commitment to Scotland throughout his public service.
Starmer acknowledged Salmond’s lasting legacy and over three decades of dedicated service as both a Member of Parliament and a Member of the Scottish Parliament, offering condolences on behalf of the UK government to Salmond’s family and loved ones.
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond Dies at 69, Leaving a Lasting Political Legacy
A passionate advocate for Scottish independence, Salmond led the Scottish National Party (SNP) for two terms and was a key figure in the 2014 independence referendum, which resulted in 45% of voters supporting the move. Following the defeat, he stepped down as First Minister and SNP leader, with Nicola Sturgeon taking over. In 2021, he founded the Alba Party, continuing his campaign for Scottish independence while remaining a significant presence in political discussions.
Tributes from various political parties and leaders emphasized Salmond’s mentorship and influence. Chris McEleny, General Secretary of the Alba Party, referred to him as a “father of the nation,” while Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed his shock and sorrow over Salmond’s passing. Swinney noted Salmond’s essential role in advancing the cause of Scottish independence and transforming the SNP into a major political force in Scotland.
Salmond’s career was not without controversy, particularly concerning a legal dispute with the Scottish government over allegations of sexual misconduct, from which he was cleared in 2020. Despite these challenges, his influence remained strong in Scottish politics. Leaders like Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour acknowledged Salmond’s significant impact, recognizing him as a central figure in Scottish politics for over three decades and noting the deep sense of loss felt across the country.
