Alex Salmond, former first minister of Scotland, dies aged 69

Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland, dies at 69

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland and a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, has died at the age of 69. His passing marks the end of a significant political career that spanned decades and shaped Scotland's modern political landscape.

Salmond, a prominent advocate for Scottish independence, served as First Minister from 2007 until 2014. He stepped down from the role after the 2014 referendum, in which Scotland voted against independence, handing the leadership to his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon. Despite the setback in the independence campaign, Salmond's time as First Minister is remembered as a transformative period in Scottish politics.

His political journey reached a high point in 2007 when he returned as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), leading them to victory in the Scottish Parliament elections. His leadership was further cemented in 2011 when the SNP won a majority, paving the way for the historic independence referendum in 2014. Although the campaign did not achieve its goal, Salmond's efforts played a crucial role in bringing the issue of Scottish independence to the forefront of UK politics.

Salmond's influence, however, extended beyond his time as First Minister. In 2018, after resigning from the SNP amid allegations of sexual harassment, he founded the Alba Party, a new political group aimed at furthering the cause of independence. Salmond was acquitted of all charges in 2020 following a high-profile trial, but the scandal had already caused a rift within the Scottish political sphere.

His death was reported after he collapsed following a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, expressed his condolences, describing Salmond as "a central figure in politics over three decades" and noting that his contribution to Scotland's political scene "cannot be overstated."

Salmond's career will be remembered not only for his leadership and ambition for Scotland but also for the complex and often controversial legacy he leaves behind. His passionate advocacy for independence reshaped the political discourse in Scotland, making him one of the most significant and polarizing figures in recent Scottish history.

As the nation reflects on his passing, Salmond’s role in the ongoing debates about Scotland's future remains an enduring part of his legacy. His impact on Scottish politics, both as a First Minister and as an independence campaigner, will be felt for many years to come.