Alex Salmond, a notable proponent of Scottish independence and former First Minister of Scotland, died unexpectedly at the age of 69. His demise occurred in the Republic of North Macedonia during a conference when he suddenly collapsed and was later declared dead.
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 12, 2024, while lunching at the Inex Olgica Hotel near Ohrid, Salmond is suspected to have suffered a heart attack. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead around 3:30 p.m. at the scene. The Alba Party, under Salmond’s leadership, confirmed his death and expressed profound grief.
Hailing from Linlithgow, born in 1954, Salmond plunged into politics with the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1973. He climbed the political ladder and eventually held the position of First Minister from 2007 until 2014. Salmond played a crucial role in pushing for Scotland’s independence from the United Kingdom in the 2014 referendum. Despite the vigorous campaign, 55% of Scottish voters opted to stay in the UK, leading to Salmond’s resignation as First Minister.
Politicians from various political backgrounds recognized Salmond’s significant contributions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer referred to him as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics.” King Charles also offered his condolences, stating, “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”
Salmond pioneered policies like free university tuition for Scottish students and free NHS prescriptions, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of the public.
Nevertheless, his political tenure was not free of controversy. In 2018, he faced allegations of sexual misconduct leading to his resignation from the SNP. Following a high-profile court case in 2020, Salmond was acquitted of all accusations. During the trial, Salmond characterized the charges as “fabrications or exaggerations” created for “political purposes.”
In 2021, Salmond established the Alba Party, aimed at promoting independence for Scotland, keeping his advocacy for Scottish sovereignty alive. In his final days, he remained actively engaged in political discussions. He was known for his critique of the cooperation between the EU and UK governments during the 2014 referendum, suggesting their alliance influenced Scotland’s decision to stay within the UK.
With the loss of Salmond, Scotland mourns a dynamic leader who significantly influenced current Scottish politics. His body is scheduled to be transported back to Scotland for a ceremonial send-off, and further tributes from political allies and rivals are anticipated. Salmond’s legacy stands as a testament to his unyielding dedication to Scottish independence.
