London
CNN
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Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has died aged 69, according to reports from Scotland’s main political parties and UK media reports.
Salmond had been ill while in North Macedonia and collapsed after giving a speech on Saturday, according to British media reports.
“I can never thank Alex enough for his lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship and all he has done for Scotland. For many years he was the father of the nation and for many years he was a father figure to me. All our thoughts are with the family and everyone in Scotland in grief,” Chris McClenny, general secretary of Alex Salmond’s Alpha Party, said on Saturday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond has been a monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics. He leaves a lasting legacy. As Scotland’s First Minister she cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture and the communities she represented over many years of service as an MP (Member of Parliament) and MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament). My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer my condolences to them today.
Salmond stepped down as First Minister and SNP leader in September 2014 following the defeat of the Scottish independence referendum. He was replaced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. He then campaigned for Scottish independence under the newly formed Alpha Party, which he founded in 2021.
After losing his seat in Parliament, Salmond remained a prominent figure in Scottish and British politics, working as a commentator and hosting the Alex Salmond Show on Russian state broadcaster RT.
In 2018, she took the country’s government to court over allegations of sexual misconduct against her. According to Scotland’s Daily Record, Salmond said the Scottish Government had denied him the opportunity to defend himself against claims he had treated a staff member at the official Bute House residence. Salmond was acquitted of all charges by a jury in a March 2020 trial.
“The sad news that Alex Salmond has passed away today will come as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, England and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and I offer my deepest condolences on behalf of Scottish Labor to all those grieving his loss,” said Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar. “Alex has been a key figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”
The Scottish National Party (SNP) also retweeted several Scottish media reports on Salmond’s death on social media.
CNN has reached out to the Scottish Government for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
