The political world is in shock following the death of former Scottish First Minister and nationalist stalwart Alex Salmond, who passed away at the age of 69 after a suspected heart attack at a conference in Macedonia. Salmond, known for his tireless campaign for Scottish independence, collapsed at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum after delivering a speech. He led the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) and served as First Minister from 2004 to 2014. Despite his resignation after the 2014 independence referendum, where the vote favored staying in the UK, Salmond’s legacy as a formidable politician and advocate for Scotland’s independence lives on. His family described him as an outstanding intellect and dedicated public servant, with a deep passion for Scotland’s future. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid tribute to Salmond’s lasting impact on Scottish and UK politics. His legacy as a transformative figure who inspired a generation to believe in independence will endure. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged the strained relationship with Alex Salmond but praised him for his role in bringing Scotland close to independence. She referred to him as her mentor and highlighted their successful partnership in UK politics for over a decade.
Kenny MacAskill, Alba’s deputy leader, expressed the party’s grief over the loss of Salmond and emphasized that the dream of independence he worked towards will endure. Humza Yousaf, a former first minister and SNP leader, paid tribute to Salmond’s significant contribution to Scottish and UK politics, acknowledging the transformation of the SNP under his leadership.
In recent years, Salmond was involved in a legal battle with the government he once led, resulting in a substantial damages award. He later announced plans for further action, implicating Nicola Sturgeon and Leslie Evans in the case. The legal issues overshadowed the later years of Salmond’s life, with Sir David Davis suggesting they may have impacted his health.
Following Salmond’s sudden death, there were calls for transparency regarding the circumstances. Mark Donfried, who witnessed Salmond’s collapse at a conference, described him as being in good spirits shortly before the incident.
Salmond’s final social media post criticized the UK government’s Council of Nations and Regions, suggesting it aimed to undermine Scotland’s independence. The post reflected his unwavering commitment to Scottish sovereignty.
PA Media contributed to this article. Please rewrite this sentence.
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