Public figures across Scotland and the UK are paying tribute to Alex Salmond, the former Scottish First Minister, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 69.
Salmond, a prominent advocate for Scottish independence, collapsed after delivering a speech in North Macedonia. Reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack, though a post-mortem examination will confirm the exact cause of death.
As Scotland's First Minister from 2007 to 2014, Salmond played a vital role in the independence movement, leading the Scottish National Party (SNP) during two pivotal periods—from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014. His legacy prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, including a statement from King Charles.
“My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond,” the King remarked. “His dedication to Scotland was evident throughout his decades of public service.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his condolences, noting, “For over 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy. As First Minister, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Salmond was a passionate advocate for Scottish independence and nearly achieved it, securing 45% of the vote in the September 2014 referendum. After this defeat, he stepped down as First Minister and SNP leader, making way for Nicola Sturgeon. However, he remained active in the independence movement, founding the Alba Party in 2021.
Chris McEleny, General Secretary of the Alba Party, reflected on Salmond’s impact: “I will never be able to thank Alex enough for his lessons, mentorship, and friendship. For many years, he was the father of the nation and a father-like figure to me. Our thoughts are with his family and all those mourning across Scotland.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed his shock and sadness at Salmond’s passing, offering condolences to his wife, Moira, and their family. “Alex made an enormous contribution to political life, not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond,” he noted.
Humza Yousaf, who became SNP leader last March, emphasized Salmond’s tireless efforts for Scotland’s independence. “He took the SNP from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and brought Scotland close to becoming an independent country,” he remarked.
Despite losing his parliamentary seat, Salmond remained a prominent figure in politics, engaging as a commentator and hosting the Alex Salmond Show on the Russian state broadcaster RT.
In 2018, he became embroiled in a legal battle with the Scottish government over allegations of sexual misconduct, claiming he was denied a fair opportunity to defend himself. Ultimately, he was acquitted of all charges in a trial that concluded in March 2020.
Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar expressed his condolences, saying, “The news of Alex Salmond’s passing will come as a shock to many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. His contribution to Scottish politics over the past three decades cannot be overstated.”
Salmond’s passing marks the end of an era in Scottish politics, leaving a significant void in the independence movement and a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.
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