Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, has passed away at the age of 69. A defining figure in Scotland's political landscape, Salmond was a fervent advocate for Scottish independence. He spearheaded the Scottish National Party's (SNP) campaign during the 2014 independence referendum, which ultimately did not succeed. Despite the setback, Salmond’s influence on Scottish politics remained significant.
Salmond's leadership of the SNP spanned two significant periods, from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014. Under his leadership, the SNP gained power in 2007, marking a pivotal moment in Scottish governance. However, his political journey was not without controversy. In 2018, he stepped down from the SNP amid allegations of sexual misconduct, from which he was later acquitted.
Following his resignation from the SNP, Salmond founded the Alba Party, continuing his pursuit of Scottish independence. His career also included a stint as a television host on RT, a decision that drew criticism due to the channel's Russian ties.
Salmond's death occurred in North Macedonia, following a sudden illness after delivering a speech. His passing prompted tributes from political figures across the UK, including former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and current Labour leader Keir Starmer, who recognized Salmond as a monumental figure in both Scottish and British politics.
Despite differences with his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, and the controversies that marked his later years, Salmond's contributions to the independence movement and his charismatic leadership have left a lasting impact on Scotland's political history.
