Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland and a pivotal figure in the Scottish independence movement, has died at the age of 69.
Salmond passed away on Saturday after collapsing following a speech in North Macedonia.
Salmond served as First Minister from 2007 until 2014, a period marked by his relentless pursuit of Scottish independence.
He led the Scottish National Party (SNP) to significant victories, culminating in the historic 2014 referendum, where Scotland voted against independence by a margin of 55% to 45%.
Scotland’s current First Minister, John Swinney, expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, “Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence.”
He acknowledged Salmond’s role in elevating the SNP from the fringes of politics to a governing party.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Salmond as a “monumental figure” whose legacy would endure.
“He cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture,” Starmer noted, offering condolences to Salmond’s family.
Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond’s former deputy and a significant political ally, said she was “shocked and sorry” to learn of his passing. “
For many years, Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life,” she remarked, reflecting on their successful partnership in UK politics.
Salmond, who was once a controversial and divisive figure, had faced significant challenges in his later years, including allegations of sexual misconduct that he was acquitted of in 2020.
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Despite these issues, his contributions to Scottish and UK politics were widely recognized, with many acknowledging his role in transforming the SNP into a dominant force.
His political career began with his leadership of the SNP in 2004, and he was instrumental in securing the party’s first governance in Scotland.
In 2021, he founded the Alba Party to continue advocating for independence, though it struggled to gain electoral traction.
Tributes have flooded in from across the political spectrum, with figures like Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, noting Salmond’s profound impact over three decades.
“His contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated,” Sarwar said.
Joanna Cherry, a former SNP MP, expressed her devastation at the news, praising Salmond as “the finest first minister our country has had” and lamenting that he had not lived to see his vindication.
As Scotland reflects on Salmond’s legacy, many remember him as a fierce advocate for independence and a leader who shaped modern Scottish politics.
His family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief.