Alex Salmond, leading figure in Scottish independence movement, dies at age 69

London (CNN) — Public figures across Scotland and the United Kingdom have paid tribute to the former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who died Saturday at the age of 69.

Salmond, a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, was taken ill while in North Macedonia, collapsing after delivering a speech on Saturday, according to British media reports.

The British Press Association reported Salmond was thought to have suffered a heart attack, but said there would be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

Tributes to Salmond, who served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and had two stints leading the Scottish National Party – from 1990 to 2000, and from 2004 to 2014 – came from across the political spectrum and were led by King Charles.

“My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond,” the king said. “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy. As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP (member of parliament) and MSP (member of the Scottish parliament) over many years of service. My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.”

Salmond had for decades championed the cause of Scottish independence and very nearly achieved it, gaining 45% of the vote when the issue went to a referendum in September 2014.

After the defeat, he stood down as first minister and SNP leader and was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon but continued to campaign for Scotland’s independence under the newly formed Alba Party, which he founded in 2021.

“I will never be able to thank Alex for all his lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship and for everything he did for Scotland. For many years he was the father of the nation and for several years he has been a father-like figure to me. All of our thoughts are with all of the family and everyone across Scotland who are in mourning,” the General Secretary of the Alba Party Chris McEleny said Saturday.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death” and sent his condolences to Salmond’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, Swinney said.

“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,” he added.

After losing his seat in parliament, Salmond remained a major figure in both Scottish and British politics, working as a commentator and hosting the Alex Salmond Show on Russian state broadcaster RT.

In 2018, he took the country’s government to court over accusations of sexual misconduct made against him. Salmond said the Scottish government denied him the opportunity to properly defend himself against the claims, which related to his alleged behavior toward a member of staff at the official Bute House residence, according to the Daily Record of Scotland.

Salmond was eventually cleared of all charges by a jury in a March 2020 trial.

“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,” said the leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar.

“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated.”

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