Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond Dies

Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland, died at 69 while attending a conference in North Macedonia. He was a key figure in Scottish politics, leading the first independence referendum. Despite his later controversies, his legacy includes major contributions to Scotland's governance.

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, died suddenly at the age of 69 while attending a conference in North Macedonia.

Salmond, who led Scotland between 2007 and 2014, was pronounced dead at the Inex Olgica hotel near Ohrid after collapsing, reportedly due to a heart attack.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with Nicola Sturgeon and Sir Keir Starmer among those paying respects.

Salmond played a key role in Scotland's pro-independence movement, achieving a majority for the SNP in 2011 and leading the 2014 independence referendum.

Despite his political achievements, his career ended in controversy after a court acquitted him of serious sexual offences in 2020.

He later founded the Alba Party and was involved in a public fallout with Sturgeon, his former deputy.

Salmond's death has prompted sympathies from international leaders, including King Charles and former political opponents.