Former Scottish First Minister and ex-SNP leader, Alex Salmond passed away at 69 after collapsing during a conference lunch in North Macedonia on 12 October 2024.
The incident occurred during a youth leadership event and despite attempts to resuscitate Salmond, he was declared dead at the scene. The cause of death was identified as a massive heart attack.
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Alex Salmond first gained national attention in 1990 when he became the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). This period is the start of his political career, where his drive for Scottish independence began to take shape.
After an initial stint as the leader until 2000, he made a successful comeback in 2004. His return to leadership heralded a new era for the SNP as he modernized the party and transformed it into a force in Scottish politics.
One of Salmond’s achievements came in 2007 when he became the first minister of Scotland. Under his leadership, the SNP secured its first victory in the Scottish parliamentary elections, which set the stage for a period of SNP dominance in Scotland.
During his tenure, Salmond worked to advance the cause of Scottish independence. In 2011, the SNP secured a victory, making way for the 2014 independence referendum.
This referendum was a historic moment that brought Scotland to the brink of independence, a cause that Salmond had championed throughout his career.
The 2014 referendum was a culmination of years of campaigning by Salmond and the SNP. While the result was a loss for the Yes campaign, with 45% voting in favor of independence and 55% against.
Despite the loss, Salmond’s efforts were recognized for bringing the issue of independence to the forefront of UK politics.
Salmond said that even though the odds were against them initially, the campaign gained momentum in its final months.
Following the defeat in the 2014 referendum, Salmond stepped down as first minister and SNP leader, passing the baton to his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.
Under his leadership, Sturgeon had formed a close political partnership with Salmond and together, they built the SNP into a political powerhouse. Sturgeon paid tribute to her former mentor.
Salmond’s later years in politics were by serious allegations of sexual misconduct during his time as first minister. In 2018, he was accused of sexual harassment and following a lengthy legal battle, he was arrested and charged with 14 offenses.
The trial took place in 2020, resulted in Salmond being acquitted of all charges. The jury found him not guilty of 12 counts of attempted rape, sexual assault and indecent assault, while one charge resulted in the unique Scottish verdict of not proven.
Another charge was dropped entirely. The fallout from the allegations and trial led to divisions within the SNP, with some senior members of the party voicing support for Salmond, while others distanced themselves.
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A memorial event was held on the night of Salmond’s death in North Macedonia attended by tearful delegates. North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova extended her condolences to Salmond’s family and those mourning in Scotland.
Efforts to repatriate Alex Salmond’s body to Scotland are underway, with Conservative MP Sir David Davis requesting the involvement of the RAF to expedite the process.
Across Scotland, tributes have been pouring in for the former First Minister. Flowers and Scottish flags have been placed outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, as well as in Salmond’s hometown of Strichen in Aberdeenshire.
Members of the public, as well as political allies and rivals have taken time to honor the memory of a man who shaped modern Scottish politics.
Salmond will be remembered for his advocacy for Scottish independence. His tenure as First Minister saw the SNP’s transformation from a fringe party to a formidable force.
He led the SNP to victory in the 2007 Scottish elections, securing a win for the party and becoming Scotland’s first SNP First Minister.
His crowning achievement came in 2011, when the SNP defied expectations by securing a majority in the Scottish Parliament.
King Charles’s tribute to Salmond was significant, showing the close relationship the two shared during the earlier stages of Salmond’s career.
In 1997, then Prince Charles met with Salmond as the devolution movement gained momentum. During his time as First Minister, Salmond supported public funding for Dumfries House, a cause dear to Prince Charles.
Despite Salmond’s later shift toward republicanism as leader of Alba, his relationship with the monarchy remained complex and respectful.
Born in 1954 in Linlithgow, Alex Salmond grew up in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, and joined the SNP in the 1970s. His charisma, intellect and political savvy made him a powerful force in Scottish politics for over four decades.
Kenny MacAskill, acting leader of the Alba Party and a lifelong friend of Salmond expressed sadness at his passing, it had lost someone who bequeathed a huge amount to the Scottish nation.
Salmond was also known for his love of football and the Scottish Football Association sent its condolences after news of his death broke during Scotland’s Euro 2024 match against Croatia in Zagreb.
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