Alex Salmond’s last tweet hours before his death has attracted attention from social media users, as he expressed his strong belief in Scottish independence. The tweet, posted shortly before his passing, emphasised that Scotland is a country and not a county, in response to a meeting between current First Minister John Swinney and Keir Starmer at the Council of the Nations and Regions.
The 69-year-old politician, who reportedly died of a suspected heart attack after falling ill, had spoken at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in North Macedonia on the day of his passing alongside Alba deputy leader Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh. Just before the news of his death was made public, Alex Salmond took to X, previously known as Twitter, to convey his thoughts: “John should have politely declined the meeting with the words ‘Scotland is a country, not a county’.”
In his final tweet, Alex Salmond shared a detailed thread criticising the perception of Scotland’s status in relation to the meeting at the Council of the Nations and Regions. He questioned the significance of such gatherings and highlighted the importance of maintaining Scotland’s independence and status as a country. His words resonated with many social media users, who found his message powerful and poignant.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in for the former SNP leader, with many acknowledging his unwavering dedication to Scottish independence. Social media users expressed their sadness at his passing but also admiration for his steadfast beliefs. One user quoted Salmond’s final statement, stating, “Powerful final quote from Alex. ‘Scotland is a country not a county’. R.I.P.”
Alex Salmond, survived by his wife Moira, leaves behind a legacy of advocating for Scottish independence and challenging the perceptions of Scotland’s status. His final tweet serves as a lasting reminder of his commitment to his beliefs and his vision for Scotland’s future.
As the political world mourns the loss of Alex Salmond, his words continue to resonate with those who shared his passion for Scottish independence. The lasting impact of his legacy is felt not only in Scotland but also across the UK, as he leaves behind a powerful message about national identity and sovereignty.