Former First Minister of Scotland and current leader of the Alba Party, Alex Salmond, has passed away at the age of 69.Mr. Salmond died this afternoon at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in Ohrid, a lakeside resort town in North Macedonia, as confirmed by Chris McEleny, the party’s general secretary.
After delivering a speech at the event, it was reported that he suffered a heart attack; however, a post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the exact cause of death.
Mr. Salmond held the position of First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and led the Scottish National Party (SNP) twice, from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014.
Mr. Swinney stated: “Over many years, Alex made an extraordinary contribution to political life – not only within Scotland but across the UK and beyond.”
“Alex dedicated himself tirelessly and fought valiantly for a country he deeply loved and for her independence. He transformed the SNP from a fringe party in Scottish politics into one that governed and brought Scotland to the brink of independence.”
“There will be ample time for reflection in the days ahead, but today our thoughts are firmly with Alex’s family and his numerous friends across the political landscape.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer honored Mr. Salmond as a “monumental figure” in the political arena.
Mr. Starmer remarked: “For over 30 years, Alex Salmond has been a monumental figure in both Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a significant legacy.”
“As First Minister of Scotland, he had a profound care for Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture, along with the communities he represented as an MP and MSP throughout his extensive service.”
“My thoughts are with everyone who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I extend our condolences today.”
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Mr. Salmond as a “huge figure in our politics.”
In a tribute shared on X, Mr. Sunak added: “While I disagreed with him on the constitutional issue, his debating skills and passion for politics were undeniable. May he rest in peace.”
Alex Salmond served as the leader of the SNP from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014.
Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf stated that Mr. Salmond played a crucial role in transforming the SNP into a “dominant political force.”
Mr. Yousaf, who led the SNP from 2023 to 2024, noted: “Alex and I had our disagreements in recent years, but there’s no doubting the immense contribution he made to Scottish and UK politics.”
“He was instrumental in turning the SNP into the powerful political entity it is today.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar remarked that Mr. Salmond was “a central figure in politics for over three decades.”
In a statement, Mr. Sarwar expressed: “The news of Alex Salmond’s passing will take many by surprise, especially those who knew him in Scotland, across the UK, and beyond.”
“Alex was a prominent figure in politics for more than thirty years, and his impact on the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”
Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon stated: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Alex Salmond’s death.”
“I cannot ignore the events of the past few years that led to the deterioration of our relationship, nor would it be appropriate for me to do so.”
“However, it remains a fact that for many years, Alex was a significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for over a decade, we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.”
“Alex modernized the SNP and guided us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and setting the stage for the 2014 referendum that brought Scotland close to independence.”
“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his family, and his friends.”
