Alex Salmond, Prominent Scottish Independence Advocate and Former First Minister, Passes Away at 69

Alex Salmond, the ex-first minister of Scotland, who dedicated numerous years to advocating for Scotland's disconnection from the United Kingdom, has passed away at the age of 69. Tributes poured in from various political figures, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer who described Salmond as a 'monumental figure' in both Scottish and British politics. In a heartfelt statement on X, Starmer acknowledged Salmond's profound care for Scotland's heritage, history, and communities during his tenure as first minister.

A Force in Scottish Politics

Salmond held the position of first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and led the Scottish National Party for two separate terms, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014. He played a pivotal role in the independence campaign during the 2014 referendum, garnering 45% of the vote, although he and his party did not achieve the desired outcome. His resignation from the SNP in 2018 followed allegations of sexual harassment, after which he established a new political entity, the Alba Party.

Political Legacy

Former U.K. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognized Salmond as a significant figure in political discourse, expressing admiration for his debating prowess and fervor for politics, despite differing views on the constitutional question. Salmond's contributions to the political landscape have left an indelible mark, acknowledged and respected across party lines.