Flags outside the Scottish Parliament were lowered on Sunday as a mark of respect to Alex Salmond – a titan of politics north of the border – who died at the age of 69
Flags outside the Scottish Parliament were lowered Sunday as a mark of respect to Alex Salmond – a titan of politics north of the border. After his sudden death at the age of 69, a floral tribute was also left with a message that read: “Thank you, Big Eck, from Scotland.”
Mr Salmond led the country as First Minister until his resignation in 2014 when he suffered a defeat as Scots rejected breaking away from the rest of the UK. “For me, as leader, my time is nearly over but for Scotland the campaign continues, and the dream shall never die,” he said at the time.
While the ex-SNP leader never realised his dream of an independent Scotland, some said he inspired a generation to believe in the cause once considered a fringe issue. Allies and detractors also recognised his colossal contribution to Scottish politics as tributes flooded in from across the political divide.
Mr Salmond, who founded the Alba party in 2021 after breaking with the SNP, passed away on Saturday afternoon from a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia. He had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room. He is survived by his widow, Moira, who was married to the politician for more than 40 years.
On Sunday evening his family paid tribute to a “formidable politician” in a statement released by The Alba Party. “He loved meeting people and hearing their stories, and showed incredible kindness to those who needed it,” it said.
“He dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland. His vision and enthusiasm for Scotland and the Yes movement were both inspirational and contagious. But to us, first and foremost, he was a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend.”
Acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill heard the news of Mr Salmond’s death when he took a call from people with himon Saturday. He described his death as a “loss for the nation of Scotland”. He said: “His lifetime has delivered so much. His political record was unsurpassed, I think, in Scottish politics, not simply in his generation, but going back many generations.
“This is a man who took a small party, persuaded me and others to join it, when Scotland was to some extent, and certainly the nationalist community, on its knees.”
Speaking on Sunday, the incumbent Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney said: “He changed our politics and made the whole concept and the possibility of independence a real prospect for so many individuals within Scotland, and got us so close to the achievement of independence of 2014.”
Mr Salmond resigned from the SNP in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct, saying he wanted to avoid internal division and would return after clearing his name. He was arrested the following year and charged with 14 offences, including attempted rape and sexual assault – but was later acquitted of all charges.
But rather than rejoin the SNP he formed the Alba party in 2021. Asked about Mr Salmond’s break with the SNP, and the “bitterness” that arose between Mr Salmond and his protege Nicola Sturgeon in the last few years, Mr Swinney replied: “Obviously, it’s been a very difficult few years, and there will be time to reflect on all of those issues in the days to come.
“But I think today, I think all of us can recognise the formidable contribution that Alex Salmond made.”
Succession actor Brian Cox – a supporter of Scottish independence who knew Mr Salmond- also told the BBC: “He was a lot of fun. He was very entertaining. He had great humanity and was probably I think one of the greatest political thinkers certainly that Scotland has ever produced and I think possibly these islands have ever produced.”
Over the weekend Keir Starmer said the ex-Scottish First Minister “leaves behind a lasting legacy”. The PM added: “As first minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service.”
In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, King Charles added: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond. His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service. We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”
