Scotland's Former First Minister Alex Salmond Dies Age 69

13th October 2024

Alex Salmond, former first minister of Scotland, died aged 69.

Reports suggest he collapsed on Saturday in North Macedonia.

Commenting on news that the former First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond has died, First Minister John Swinney said:

"I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex's wife Moira and to his family.

"Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life - not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

"Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

"There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex's family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum."

Read the obituary at the BBC

Read a full bio at Wikipedia