Alex Salmond, a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, has died aged 69

London
CNN
—

Public figures across Scotland and the UK have paid tribute to former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who died on Saturday aged 69.

According to British media reports, Salmond, a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, fell ill while in North Macedonia and collapsed after a speech on Saturday.

The British Press Association reported that Salmond probably suffered a heart attack, but said there would be a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death.

Tributes to Salmond, who was First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and served two terms at the helm of the Scottish National Party – from 1990 to 2000 and 2004 to 2014 – came from across the political spectrum and were led by King Charles.

“My wife and I are very saddened by the news of the sudden death of Alex Salmond,” the royal said. “His devotion to Scotland shaped his decades of public service.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For over 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics. He leaves a lasting legacy. As First Minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland's heritage, history and culture and the communities he represented over many years as an MP and MSP. My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the British government, I offer our condolences today.”

Salmond had campaigned for Scottish independence for decades and came close to achieving it when he won 45% of the vote in a referendum on the issue in September 2014.

Following the defeat, he resigned as First Minister and SNP leader and was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon, but continued to campaign for Scottish independence under the newly formed Alba Party, which he founded in 2021.

“I will never be able to thank Alex for all his lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship and for everything he has done for Scotland. He was the father of the nation for many years and in recent years he has been a fatherly figure for me. “All our thoughts are with the entire family and all those grieving across Scotland,” Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said on Saturday.

Scottish Prime Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death” and offered his condolences to Salmond's wife Moira and his family.

“Over many years, Alex has made an enormous contribution to political life – not just in Scotland but across the UK and beyond,” Swinney said.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country he loved and for its independence. He led the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government, bringing Scotland so close to independence,” he added.

After losing his seat in Parliament, Salmond remained a major figure in both Scottish and British politics, working as a commentator and hosting The Alex Salmond Show on Russian state broadcaster RT.

In 2018, he sued the country's government over sexual misconduct allegations made against him. Salmond said the Scottish government had denied him the opportunity to adequately defend himself against claims relating to his alleged behavior towards a member of staff at the official Bute House residence, according to the Daily Record of Scotland.

Salmond was ultimately acquitted of all charges by a jury in a trial in March 2020.

“The sad news of Alex Salmond’s death today will come as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, the UK and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labor I extend our sincere condolences to all who will mourn his loss,” said Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar.

“Alex has been a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”