Scottish political giant, former First Minister Alex Salmond dies at 69

12 Oct 2024, 20:37 · UPI

Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Scottish political giant and former First Minister Alex Salmond, hailed as the founder of the modern Scottish independence movement, has died at age 69, authorities announced Saturday.

Salmond was the former leader of the Scottish National Party and a strong proponent for Scottish independence from England. Scotland's government confirmed his death in a statement by current First Minister John Swinney.