Scotland Mourns the Loss of Alex Salmond: A Formidable Leader Remembered

Alex Salmond's passing: Relatives honor the 'powerful political figure' who 'inspired hope for improvement'

It is thought that Mr. Salmond experienced a cardiac arrest following his address in North Macedonia.

Sunday, October 13, 2024, 8:

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The family of Alex Salmond has stated that the former politician made an indelible mark on the political landscape of Scotland and that his absence will profoundly change their lives.

Alex Salmond, the former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) during two separate terms from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 69 on Saturday afternoon. It is believed he suffered a heart attack while visiting North Macedonia.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, his family described him as "a powerful political figure, a remarkable speaker, an exceptional intellect, and respected globally."

"He had a passion for connecting with others and listening to their life experiences, consistently extending remarkable compassion to those in need," the statement read.

He devoted his entire adult life to the cause he was passionate about – Scottish independence.

"During the toughest times our family faced, he was our pillar, which makes his absence now even harder. He possessed an endless capacity for perseverance and positivity."

"Alex inspired us to hope for more. Life without him will forever be altered."

"He would have wanted us to carry on with his lifelong mission for freedom and fairness, and we intend to do just that."

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On the program Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney praised the former head of Scotland for his monumental impact on the nation's political landscape. Swinney highlighted that he elevated the SNP from a peripheral role to the governing party of Scotland and nearly achieved independence for the nation during the 2014 referendum.

When asked about Mr. Salmond's success, the SNP leader responded, "He possessed an unwavering determination to succeed politically."

"People were united with the aim of ensuring our political success. There was a strong sense of motivation and dynamism at its core.

"Another key aspect was his ability to see the big picture, crucial for understanding the transition from one scenario to another and the development through those strategic choices."

Mr. Swinney described Mr. Salmond as an immensely crucial and impactful leader within both Scottish and UK political arenas.

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Buckingham Palace released a statement in which the King expressed that he and the Queen were deeply saddened upon learning of the unexpected passing of Mr. Salmond.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed to Trevor Phillips that Mr. Salmond is "a major political figure in both Scotland and the UK, and a powerful adversary for a unionist to contend with."

Read more: The impact of Salmond's passing echoes throughout UK political circles. Obituary: Remembering Alex Salmond, a colossus in political life.

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Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride spoke of Mr. Salmond as an enjoyable person to converse with and spend time around.

He described the ex-leader of Scotland as "a highly impactful politician," and added, "Although I fundamentally oppose his policies, the challenges he presented were quite substantial."

Ex-Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Tony Blair, commented: "Despite our differences, he was a prominent leader in both Scottish and UK politics, evidently committed to Scotland and its citizens."

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Scottish actor Brian Cox, known for his role in the drama series Succession, hailed Mr. Salmond as "one of the greatest political thinkers" ever to emerge from the British Isles.

He stated that Mr. Salmond advocated for Scottish independence with considerable empathy and insight.

A commemorative service for Mr. Salmond was conducted in Ohrid, North Macedonia, with President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova in attendance.

The ex-premier was visiting the nation to participate and deliver a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum. It is reported that he fainted during a lunch in a packed room following his presentation.

At the conference, Mark Donfried, who heads the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, mentioned that during the dinner, Mr. Salmond appeared to be in excellent spirits.

"Suddenly, he just collapsed and ended up in the arms of my coworker who was sitting across the table," he explained.

Without hesitation, I jumped up and hurried to phone for emergency medical services. Upon my return, I found him lying on the ground.

"Everyone is totally stunned – the whole hotel, the entire conference."

Alex Salmond held the position of Scotland's first minister from 2007 until 2014 and led the Scottish National Party (SNP) during two separate terms, first from 1990 until 2000 and then from 2004

He stepped down as first minister following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, in which 55% voted against independence, opting to remain part of the UK.

In 2021, he established Alba, a new political party advocating for Scottish independence, following a falling out with his successor, Nicola Sturgeon.

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