Alex Salmond, a leading proponent of Scottish independence and former First Minister of Scotland, died suddenly at the age of 69. He was at a conference in the Republic of North Macedonia when he collapsed and was subsequently pronounced dead.
Salmond was attending a lunch gathering at the Inex Olgica Hotel near Ohrid on Saturday, October 12, 2024, where he was networking with global diplomats. It is suspected that he suffered a heart attack. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead at the scene around 3:30 p.m. The Alba Party, which Salmond founded and led, confirmed his death and expressed profound grief.
Salmond was born in 1954 in Linlithgow, Scotland. He started his political career with the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1973, and climbed the ranks to eventually become First Minister from 2007 to 2014. Salmond played a pivotal role in the 2014 independence referendum, advocating for Scotland’s separation from the UK. However, the campaign fell short as 55% of Scottish voters decided to remain part of the UK, resulting in Salmond’s resignation as First Minister.
Politicians from all sides have acknowledged Salmond’s significant contributions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Salmond as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics.” King Charles also expressed his condolences, stating, “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”
Under Salmond’s leadership, policies such as free university tuition for Scottish students and free NHS prescriptions were implemented, showcasing his commitment to the welfare of the Scottish people.
In 2018, Salmond faced allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to his departure from the SNP. Following a high-profile trial in 2020, he was cleared of all charges. During the trial, Salmond referred to the allegations as “fabrications or exaggerations” made for “political purposes.”
In 2021, Salmond founded the Alba Party, continuing his push for Scottish independence. Up until his last days, Salmond was actively involved in political discussions. He criticized the EU and UK government’s cooperation during the 2014 referendum, suggesting it contributed to Scotland’s decision to stay within the UK.
With the death of Salmond, Scotland lost a powerful leader whose influence had a significant impact on contemporary Scottish politics. His remains will be returned to Scotland for a ceremonial farewell, with tributes anticipated from both political allies and rivals. His enduring dedication to Scottish independence will remain a part of his legacy.
