Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland and a champion for Scottish independence, has passed away at the age of 69. Salmond, who served as the leader of the Scottish National Party, led the independence campaign in the 2014 referendum but ultimately lost with 45% of the vote. Tributes have poured in from various politicians, with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing him as a “monumental figure” in Scottish and British politics. Salmond served as first minister from 2007 to 2014 and was also the leader of the SNP from 1990 to 2000 and 2004 to 2014. He resigned from the SNP in 2018 following sexual harassment allegations and subsequently founded a new party called Alba.
The current SNP first minister, John Swinney, expressed shock and sadness at Salmond’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to politics in Scotland and beyond. Swinney noted that Salmond played a pivotal role in bringing the SNP into government and almost achieving independence for Scotland. Former U.K. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also acknowledged Salmond’s impact on politics, praising his skills in debate and passion for the Scottish cause. Despite their disagreements on the constitutional issue, Sunak extended his condolences and wished for Salmond to rest in peace.
Salmond’s death comes shortly after he fell ill while giving a speech in North Macedonia. The news has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance from political figures and the public alike. Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, described Salmond as a central figure in politics for over three decades and expressed condolences for his passing. Salmond’s legacy as a fierce advocate for Scottish independence and a prominent leader in the SNP will be remembered by many, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing his deep care for Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture.
Throughout his career, Salmond made significant contributions to Scottish politics, leading the way for the SNP and the independence movement. His leadership during the 2014 referendum galvanized support for the idea of Scottish independence, even though the vote did not achieve the desired outcome. Despite the challenges he faced in his later years, including the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation from the SNP, Salmond’s impact on Scottish politics cannot be denied. His passion for politics and dedication to the Scottish cause earned him respect from both allies and opponents alike.
As the first minister of Scotland, Salmond worked tirelessly to represent the interests of the Scottish people and advocate for their right to self-determination. His leadership brought the SNP to the forefront of Scottish politics and positioned Scotland on the brink of independence. While Salmond’s political career had its ups and downs, his commitment to his beliefs and his vision for an independent Scotland remained steadfast. His passing marks the end of an era in Scottish politics, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
