Alex Salmond, leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, dies aged 69


London
CNN

Public figures across Scotland and Britain have paid tribute to former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond, who died on Saturday aged 69.

Salmond, a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, was taken ill while in North Macedonia and collapsed after giving a speech on Saturday, according to British media.

The British Press Association reported that Salmond was believed to have suffered a heart attack, but said an autopsy would be carried out to confirm the cause of death.

Tributes for Salmond, who served as Scotland’s first minister from 2007 to 2014 and twice led the Scottish National Party – from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014 – came from across the political spectrum and were led by King Charles.

“My wife and I are very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond,” the king said. “His devotion to Scotland fueled his decades of public service.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics. He leaves a lasting legacy. As First Minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the community he represented as an MP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) over many years of service.My thoughts go out to those who knew him, his family and his loved ones.On behalf of the UK Government, I offer them our condolences today.”

Salmond had for decades championed the cause of Scottish independence and almost achieved it, winning 45% of the vote when the issue went to a referendum in September 2014.

After the defeat, he stepped down as First Minister and SNP leader and was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon, but continued to campaign for Scottish independence under the newly formed Alba party, which he founded in 2021.

“I will never be able to thank Alex for all his lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship and for all he did for Scotland. For many years he was the father of the nation and for many years he has been a father figure to me. All our thoughts go out to the whole family and everyone across Scotland who are grieving,” Alba party general secretary Chris McEleny said on Saturday.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death” and sent his condolences to Salmond’s wife Moira and to his family.

“Over many years, Alex has made an enormous contribution to political life – not just in Scotland, but across the UK and beyond,” said Swinney.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country he loved and for her independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and brought Scotland so close to becoming an independent country,” he added.

After losing his seat in Parliament, Salmond remained a major figure in both Scottish and British politics, working as a commentator and hosting the Alex Salmond Show on Russian state broadcaster RT.

In 2018, he took the country’s government to court over allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Salmond said the Scottish Government denied him the opportunity to properly defend himself against the allegations, which related to his alleged behavior towards a member of staff at the Bute House official residence, according to the Daily Record of Scotland.

Salmond was eventually acquitted of all charges by a jury in a trial in March 2020.

“The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labor we offer I offer our sincere condolences to all who will mourn his loss,” said Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar.

“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”

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