Alex Salmond, former Scottish First Minister, dies after delivering speech

The former SNP MSP was the First Minister of Scotland for seven years between 2007 and 2014 but resigned after failing to persuade Scots to vote for independence in a referendum

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister for Scotland, has died at the age of 69. It is understood he passed away after delivering a speech in North Macedonia.

The former SNP MSP was the First Minister of Scotland for seven years between 2007 and 2014. He resigned after failing to persuade Scotts to vote for independence in a referendum.

He remained in politics and was a prominent figure in the Scottish nationalist movement. He was currently serving as the Leader of the Alba Party, a role he had held since 2021.

Tributes have been paid to the politician with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar saying he was “a central figure in politics for over three decades”. He said: "said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss. Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated. It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”