Sat Oct 12 16:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond Dies at 69
**Skopje, North Macedonia –** Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, a key figure in the Scottish independence movement, has passed away at the age of 69. Reports indicate that Salmond collapsed after delivering a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday.
Salmond served as the first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, leading the Scottish National Party (SNP) to victory in the 2011 Scottish parliamentary elections. He spearheaded the campaign for Scottish independence, which ultimately failed in the 2014 referendum.
He returned to politics in 2018, forming the rival Alba party after resigning from the SNP amidst sexual harassment allegations. He was cleared of all criminal charges in 2020.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, acknowledging Salmond’s significant impact on Scottish politics. Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, described Salmond as a “central figure in politics over three decades” whose contribution to the Scottish political landscape “cannot be overstated.”
Salmond’s death marks the end of an era for Scottish politics. He leaves behind a complex legacy, remembered for his passionate advocacy for Scottish independence and his controversial tenure as First Minister.
First Piper 