London CNN —
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has died at the age of 69, according to statements from Scotland’s main political parties and British media reports.
According to British media reports, Salmond fell ill while in North Macedonia and collapsed after giving a speech on Saturday.
“I will never be able to thank Alex enough for his lessons, his advice, his guidance, his guidance, his love, his friendship and everything he has done for Scotland. was like a father figure to him. All our thoughts are with the entire mourning family and everyone across Scotland,” Chris McElhenney, general secretary of Alex Salmond’s Alba Party, said on Saturday. Ta.
UK First Minister Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics. He left a lasting legacy. As First Minister of Scotland, he My thoughts are with those who knew him, and with whom he cared deeply, not only for Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, but also for the communities he represented as an MP and MSP during his many years of service. Our thoughts are with his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the British Government, we extend our condolences to them today.”
Mr Salmond resigned as First Minister and SNP leader following defeat in the September 2014 referendum on Scottish independence, which he had long advocated. His successor was First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. He then campaigned for Scottish independence under the newly established Alba Party in 2021.
After losing his seat in parliament, Mr Salmond remained an important figure in Scottish and British politics, working as a commentator and hosting the Alex Salmond Show on Russian state broadcaster RT.
In 2018, he sued the country’s government over sexual misconduct accusations against him. According to the Daily Record of Scotland, Mr Salmond said the Scottish Government had not given him a proper opportunity to defend himself against complaints relating to his alleged conduct against Butehouse staff. Salmond was ultimately cleared of all charges by a jury at a trial in March 2020.
“The sad news today that Alex Salmond has passed away will come as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond. Our thoughts are with him at this difficult time. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and on behalf of Scottish Labor to everyone who mourns his passing,” Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar said. “Alex has been a central figure in politics for over 30 years and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”
The Scottish National Party (SNP) also reposted several Scottish media reports about Mr Salmond’s death on social media.
CNN has contacted the Scottish Government for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
