Former Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, tragically passed away at the age of 69. He left behind a series of poignant posts on X, formerly Twitter, about Scottish independence just before his sudden death. The leader of the Alba party died after reportedly suffering a heart attack at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The party’s general secretary, Chris McEleny, confirmed the sad news.
Salmond, who was first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and leader of the SNP on two occasions, had a profound impact on Scottish politics. Tributes poured in from politicians across the spectrum, highlighting his dedication to Scotland and his unwavering support for Scottish independence.
In his final X posts, Salmond reiterated his beliefs, with one of his last messages stating, “Scotland is a country not a county.” He engaged in discussions about the Scottish Parliament, Council of the Nations and Regions, and the importance of asserting Scotland’s status on the international stage.
Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, expressed shock and sorrow at the loss of her mentor, highlighting the significant role Salmond played in her political career. Keir Starmer described Salmond as a monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics, while Kenny MacAskill emphasized that the dream of independence will continue despite the loss of their leader.
Salmond’s legacy as a passionate advocate for Scottish independence and a driving force in shaping Scottish politics will be remembered by many. His sudden death has left a void in the political landscape, but his impactful contributions will endure.