Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland and a prominent advocate for Scottish independence, has died at the age of 69 in North Macedonia shortly after delivering a speech. Salmond was a pivotal figure in the Scottish independence movement, famously leading the 2014 referendum in which 45% of voters supported independence from the United Kingdom. He served as Scotland's first minister from 2007 to 2014 and was the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) during two significant periods: from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014.
His tenure was marked by significant political achievements and controversies, including his resignation from the SNP in 2018 amid allegations of sexual harassment, from which he was later acquitted. Salmond's political legacy is complex, with his contributions to the independence movement being both celebrated and scrutinized. Following his passing, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, both acknowledging his substantial impact on Scottish politics and the independence debate.
Salmond's influence extended beyond his time in office, as he continued to be an active figure in Scottish politics, later founding the Alba Party in 2020, which aimed to further the cause of independence. His death marks a significant moment in Scotland's political history, as he was not only a leader but also a symbol of the aspirations for self-governance that have defined Scottish politics in recent decades. [9b4150df]