Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, died this weekend, aged 69.
The Alba Party leader reportedly collapsed after giving a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday, 12 October.
Having led the Scottish National Party (SNP) for over 20 years across two periods, Salmond played a key role in shaping Scotland’s devolved government.
In tribute to him, the flags outside the Scottish Parliament have been lowered.
Salmond’s leadership not only transformed the SNP into a major political party but also significantly altered the dynamics of British politics.
He was a driving force behind Scotland’s nationalist movement and was instrumental in delivering the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.
Despite failing to secure majority support for independence, the 2014 “Yes Campaign” represents a high point in the Scottish Nationalist movement.
Under his leadership, Salmond’s government introduced several landmark policies such as the abolition of university tuition fees and the removal of prescription charges.
These measures have been celebrated for improving and supporting the social welfare of Scots.
Alex had the nation believe in itself
Resigning after the referendum results, he would go on to resign from the SNP after 45 years of membership in 2018 following allegations of serious sexual offences of which he was later acquitted.
Salmond founded the pro-independence Alba Party in February 2021.
The saga fractured his relationship with his successor and one-time friend, Nicola Sturgeon, who paid tribute to him by saying:
“He was my mentor for more than a decade, we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.”
“My thoughts are with Moira (his wife), his wider family and his friends.”
The SNP’s official X account has also honoured him as “a titan of the independence movement,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer described him as a “monumental figure”.
Ash Regan, the Alba Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Eastern, described Salmond as:
“A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence.”
“Alex had the nation believe in itself.”
“Alex Salmond to resign as First Minister” by Scottish Government is licensed under CC BY 2.0.