Alex Salmond, Scotland’s former First Minister and a prominent advocate for Scottish independence, died suddenly at 69. He was attending a conference in the Republic of North Macedonia when he collapsed and was pronounced dead.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Salmond suffered a suspected heart attack during lunch at the Inex Olgica Hotel near Ohrid, where he had been engaging with international diplomats. Despite efforts to revive him, Salmond was pronounced dead at the scene at around 3:30 p.m. The Scottish Alba Party, which Salmond led, confirmed his passing, expressing their deep sorrow.
Born in Linlithgow in 1954, Salmond began his political journey with the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1973 and rose through the ranks, eventually serving as First Minister from 2007 to 2014. He was pivotal in the 2014 independence referendum, pushing for Scotland to break from the United Kingdom. Despite a well-fought campaign, Scottish voters ultimately chose to remain in the UK by a 55% to 45% margin, leading Salmond to resign as First Minister.
Political figures from across the spectrum have paid tribute to Salmond’s contributions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described him as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics.” King Charles also expressed his condolences, remarking, “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”
Salmond’s leadership introduced policies such as free university tuition for Scottish students and free NHS prescriptions, reflecting his dedication to the welfare of his constituents.
However, his political career was not without controversy. In 2018, allegations of sexual misconduct emerged, leading to his resignation from the SNP. After a high-profile trial in 2020, Salmond was acquitted of all charges. During the court trial, Salmond described the charges as “fabrications or exaggerations” made for “political purposes.”
In 2021, Salmond launched the Alba Party, a pro-independence movement, continuing his advocacy for Scottish autonomy. Salmond’s final days saw him actively involved in political discourse. He was noted for criticizing EU and UK government cooperation during the 2014 referendum, suggesting that their alignment contributed to Scotland’s decision to remain within the UK.
With Salmond’s passing, Scotland lost a formidable leader whose influence shaped contemporary Scottish politics. His body is set to return to Scotland for a ceremonial farewell, with further tributes expected from political allies and opponents alike. His legacy remains a testament to his enduring commitment to Scottish independence.
