Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, passed away at the age of 69, marking the end of a significant chapter in Scottish political history. Salmond was a pivotal figure in the Scottish National Party (SNP), transforming it from a marginal entity into a formidable political force. Under his leadership, the SNP achieved an unprecedented majority in the Scottish Parliament in 2011 and spearheaded the 2014 independence referendum, which garnered 45% support for independence . His tenure as First Minister from 2007 to 2014 solidified his status as a central figure in Scotland's pursuit of self-determination.
Mr Salmond had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum and is understood to have collapsed at lunch in a crowded room.
The Alba party said it understood he had suffered a heart attack, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.
“Unfortunately, Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland who was one of the panellists at yesterday’s cultural diplomacy forum that was held in Ohrid, died suddenly today,” the office of former North Macedonia President Gjorgje Ivanov said.
The British Prime Minister, the Labourite Keir Starmer, called him “a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics” who leaves “an enduring legacy”. Salmond “cared deeply for Scottish history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as a British and Scottish MP”, the chief executive said. “The tragic news of Alex Salmond’s death comes as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, the UK and beyond”, said Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar. “Alex was a central political figure for more than three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated”, he added. The former British Conservative prime minister, Rishi Sunak, described Salmond as a “huge figure” in national politics. “Although we disagreed on the constitutional issue (of independence), there is no doubting his ability to debate and his passion for politics. May he rest in peace,” Sunak wrote in a message on X.
Despite his achievements, Salmond's career was not without controversy. Following his resignation after the unsuccessful referendum, he faced allegations of sexual harassment but was acquitted in court. His departure from SNP politics and subsequent founding of Alba party reflected ongoing aspirations for Scottish independence. Tributes following his death emphasized his profound impact on both Scottish politics and society at large .
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