Scotland’s Ex First Minister Alex Salmond Dies At 69

Scotland‘s former First Minister Alex Salmond has passed away at the age of 69 after falling ill while in North Macedonia. Salmond, who served as First Minister from 2007 to 2014, reportedly gave a speech shortly before his sudden decline.

A prominent figure in Scottish politics, Salmond led the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 2004 until 2014 and was instrumental in the Yes campaign during the Scottish independence referendum. His tenure as First Minister ended when Scottish voters opted to remain part of the United Kingdom, with 55% against independence.

In 2021, Salmond formed the Alba Party, a new pro-independence party, after resigning from the SNP three years earlier. His political career spanned over three decades, during which he became a central figure in Scotland’s political landscape.

According to Telegraph UK, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressed his condolences, stating, “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all 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 Labour, I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.”

Sarwar acknowledged Salmond’s significant contributions, saying, “It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”

The news of Salmond’s death has sent ripples across the political sphere, with many reflecting on his lasting impact on Scotland’s political discourse and the independence movement.