In a tragic turn of events, former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 69 after reportedly suffering a heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia. The veteran politician collapsed during lunch at a conference, where eyewitnesses said desperate attempts to resuscitate him by medical teams were ultimately unsuccessful. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Scotland and the UK.
King Charles III led tributes to Salmond, calling him a “monumental figure” in UK politics. In a heartfelt message from Buckingham Palace, the King expressed his deep sadness over the loss: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond. His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service,” the King said, extending condolences to Salmond’s family and loved ones.
Alex Salmond had been attending the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in North Macedonia, where he had delivered a speech just hours before his collapse. The Alba Party, which Salmond founded after his split from the Scottish National Party (SNP), confirmed that a post-mortem examination would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, though a heart attack is suspected.
Salmond’s influence on Scottish and UK politics is undeniable. As Scotland’s first SNP First Minister, he led the party from the fringes of Scottish politics to the heart of government, serving two terms from 2007 to 2014. His leadership saw the SNP secure an unprecedented majority in the Scottish Parliament in 2011, a victory that paved the way for the 2014 independence referendum—a defining moment in modern Scottish history.
The British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, echoed these sentiments, describing Salmond as a “monumental figure” who leaves behind a “lasting legacy” in both Scottish and UK politics.
Scotland’s current First Minister, John Swinney, expressed that Salmond had “taken the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country.” Swinney added that Salmond’s vision and drive had shaped Scotland’s political future for generations.
Salmond’s career was not without controversy. Following his resignation as SNP leader in 2014, he faced a high-profile court case over allegations of sexual harassment, though he was acquitted of all charges in 2020. Despite the legal battle, Salmond remained an influential force in Scottish politics, founding the Alba Party and continuing to champion the cause of Scottish independence.
Nicola Sturgeon, his long time ally and political protégé, acknowledged the complex relationship they shared in recent years but paid tribute to his role in taking Scotland to “the brink of independence.” “He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics,” Sturgeon reflected.
The former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics. He cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture, as well as the communities he served.”
First Minister Lord Jack McConnell between 2001 and 2007 shared fond memories of sparring with Salmond in debates, reflecting on his energy, wit, and passion for Scotland. “You certainly had to be on your toes debating with Alex Salmond,” McConnell said. “He was a formidable opponent and someone who left an indelible mark on Scottish and UK politics.”
In what now seems a poignant final message, Salmond had posted on social media just hours before his death, urging Scotland’s leadership to “think independently, not subserviently.” His last words on social media were a reminder of his lifelong mission: “Scotland is a country, not a county.”
Salmond’s passing has left a void in Scottish politics, with both supporters and opponents recognizing the scale of his achievements. Daily Mail columnist Andrew Neil, a longtime critic of Salmond’s political stance, shared his personal sadness, recalling a recent lunch with Salmond. “He was in fine form, full of plans and plots,” Neil said. “He and I could not have been more different in terms of Scotland’s position in the UK, but we had mutual respect. He was the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times.”
As Scotland and the UK come to terms with the loss of one of its most influential political figures, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating Salmond’s remarkable life and career. He will be remembered not only for his tireless pursuit of Scottish independence but also for his formidable presence in the halls of power.
Alex Salmond is survived by his wife, Moira. The thoughts of a nation are with her and his family during this difficult time.
