Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has passed away at the age of 69. The news broke earlier today, October 12, 2024, after Salmond collapsed following a speech in North Macedonia .
Salmond was a pivotal figure in Scottish politics, serving as First Minister from 2007 to 2014 and leading the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014 . He was also the leader of the Alba Party from 2021 to 2024. Under his leadership, the SNP emerged as the second-largest party in the Scottish Parliament in 1999, with Salmond becoming the Leader of the Opposition .
Tributes have begun pouring in for the late politician, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar describing him as “a central figure in politics” . Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also acknowledged Salmond’s significant impact on Scottish politics, saying, “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” .
Salmond’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, marked by his tireless advocacy for Scottish independence. His leadership during the 2014 independence referendum ultimately ended in defeat, leading to his resignation as First Minister . Despite this, his influence on Scottish politics remains undeniable. As writer Gerry Hassan noted, “Agree or disagree with them, respect or disrespect him, no one can doubt that he was a titan of Scottish politics who remade the SNP & independence & made a massive contribution to public life” .