The former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, who was a prominent figure in the Scottish independence movement, passed away today at the age of 69 after delivering a speech in North Macedonia.
Salmond led the Scottish National Party (SNP) for two decades and served as First Minister for seven years. He was a vital supporter of the 2014 independence referendum.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Salmond, noting his deep commitment to Scotland’s history and communities. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” Starmer said.
Salmond, who is survived by his wife, Moira McGlashan, stepped down as First Minister in 2014 after the “Yes” campaign for Scottish independence fell short. Despite the loss, his leadership brought the SNP into the heart of Scottish politics, making significant strides toward independence.
His former colleague and successor, Nicola Sturgeon, acknowledged the complexity of their relationship but praised his influence on modernising the SNP and his role in bringing Scotland closer to independence. “Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life for many years. He will be remembered for his contributions,” Sturgeon stated.
Salmond’s later years were marked by controversy, including his departure from the SNP in 2018 over sexual misconduct allegations, of which he was acquitted in 2020. He later founded the Alba Party in 2021, deepening the division within the SNP on independence strategy and social policies.
Known for his fiery rhetoric and political manoeuvring, Salmond’s career spanned decades, beginning in 1987 when he was first elected as MP for Banff and Buchan. Throughout his career, he remained a polarising figure, famously presenting a show on the Russian state-owned RT network until Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar offered condolences, stating, “Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades, and his contribution to Scotland cannot be overstated.”
Salmond’s death marks the end of an era in Scottish politics, leaving behind a complex legacy of passionate advocacy for independence intertwined with personal controversy.
