Alex Salmond, Former Scottish Leader and Independence Advocate, Passes at 69

Mon Feb 03 2025 02:47:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Alex Salmond, Former Scottish Leader and Independence Advocate, Passes at 69

Alex Salmond, twice leader of the Scottish National Party and proponent of Scottish independence, dies at 69 after a speech in North Macedonia.


Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, a leading advocate for Scotland's independence and a significant political figure, has passed away at the age of 69.

Alex Salmond, the influential former leader of the Scottish National Party and a key player in the push for Scottish independence, has died at the age of 69. The announcement was made by Scotland's Labour Party leader, Anas Sarwar, through a social media statement, acknowledging Mr. Salmond's sudden passing after giving a speech in North Macedonia, as reported by the BBC.

Mr. Salmond's political career was notably marked by his efforts to transform the Scottish National Party (SNP) from a marginal political group into a formidable electoral contender, achieving an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament in 2011. His leadership saw the party spearhead the 2014 independence referendum, advocating for Scotland's separation from the United Kingdom. Despite his resignation following the public's decision to remain within the UK, his influence on Scotland's political landscape was profound.

In his tribute, Anas Sarwar described Mr. Salmond as "a central figure in politics for over three decades" and emphasized that his impact on Scottish politics "cannot be overstated." Mr. Salmond's death is a considerable loss, resonating deeply with those familiar with him in Scotland, across the UK, and internationally.

The story continues to develop as condolences pour in for a politician whose career significantly shaped the course of Scottish political history.

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