Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland and one of the most influential figures in the campaign for Scottish independence, has died at the age of 69.
Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007. He stood down from the role after failing to secure independence in the 2014 referendum, handing over to his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.
Reports suggested that he collapsed after delivering a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday.
Salmond began his second stint as Scottish National Party (SNP) leader in 2004, securing power in Holyrood in 2007. That was followed by a sweeping victory in Scottish parliamentary elections in 2011 – the precursor to the independence vote.
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Salmond eventually resigned from the SNP in 2018 in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, forming and leading the rival Alba party. He was cleared of all criminal charges in 2020, following a trial.
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former first minister Alex Salmond, and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.
“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Mr Salmond a “monumental figure” in the political world for more than 30 years.
“As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service.”
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak said Mr Salmond was a “huge figure in our politics”.
In a tribute posted on X, Mr Sunak added: “While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”
Former Scotland first minister Humza Yousaf said Mr Salmond helped turn the SNP into a “dominant political force”.
Mr Yousaf, SNP leader from 2023 to 2024, added: “Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there’s no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish and UK politics.”
Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, said 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”.
He described him as “a central figure in politics over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated”.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics. He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many.” - Guardian/PA
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