October 12, 2024 — Political figures across Scotland and the United Kingdom are paying tribute to Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland and a key figure in the Scottish independence movement, who passed away at the age of 69 on Saturday. Salmond collapsed in North Macedonia, where he had just delivered a speech and is believed to have suffered a heart attack. A post-mortem will be conducted to confirm the cause of death, according to British media reports.
Salmond’s passing has elicited tributes from across the political spectrum, including heartfelt messages from British leaders and Scottish politicians alike. King Charles III led tributes, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of a man who devoted much of his life to the service of Scotland.
“My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond,” King said in a statement. “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”
A Monumental Political Legacy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid his respects, noting the profound influence Salmond had over Scottish and UK politics for more than three decades. “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy. As First Minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture,” Starmer said, offering his condolences to Salmond’s family and loved ones.
Salmond served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and twice led Scottish National Party (SNP), from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014. Under his leadership, the SNP transformed from a party on the fringes of Scottish politics into a dominant force. His most significant achievement came in 2014, when he spearheaded the campaign for Scottish independence, securing 45% of the vote in a historic referendum, though effort ultimately fell short.
After the referendum defeat, Salmond stepped down as First Minister and SNP leader, passing the baton to Nicola Sturgeon. However, his involvement in the Scottish independence cause did not wane. In 2021, he founded the Alba Party to continue advocating for Scotland’s independence.
Tributes from Across Political Spectrum
Chris McEleny, General Secretary of Alba Party, expressed deep sorrow at Salmond’s passing. “For many years, he was far from the nation, and for several years he has been a far-like figure to me. All of our thoughts are with his family and everyone across Scotland who are in mourning.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney described Salmond’s death as a “deeply shocking and saddening” loss, emphasizing Salmond’s contributions to Scottish politics and beyond. “Alex made an enormous contribution to political life—not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond,” Swinney said, offering condolences to Salmond’s wife, Moira, and his family.
Humza Yousaf, the current leader of SNP, highlighted Salmond’s relentless dedication to Scottish independence. “He worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for a country that he loved and for her independence,” Yousaf said, noting that Salmond had brought SNP from fringes to the seat of government and took Scotland close to independence.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also expressed his condolences, noting Salmond’s central role in Scottish politics over several decades. “Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated,” Sarwar said.
Controversy and Final Years
Despite his monumental political legacy, Salmond’s later years were marked by controversy. In 2018, he was accused of sexual misconduct by members of the Scottish government. He vehemently denied allegations and took the Scottish government to court, claiming he had been denied the opportunity to defend himself properly. In 2020, a jury acquitted Salmond of all charges in a high-profile trial, though the case left a mark on his political career.
After losing his parliamentary seat, Salmond transitioned into media and political commentary, notably hosting the Alex Salmond Show on Russian state broadcaster RT. His ongoing presence in public life, combined with his unyielding commitment to Scottish independence, ensured that he remained a prominent figure in both Scottish and UK politics.
A Nation Mourns
As news of his passing spreads, Scotland and the wider UK are left to reflect on Salmond’s complex but enduring legacy. A driving force behind the push for Scottish independence, he reshaped Scottish politics and left an indelible mark on the political landscape.
Salmond is survived by his wife, Moira, and his death marks the end of an era for Scottish politics. His vision for an independent Scotland, though unfulfilled in his lifetime, continues to inspire many within the movement he helped build.
