Alex Salmond's family pays tribute to 'formidable politician' after death in Macedonia

The family of Alex Salmond have paid tribute to a “formidable politician” who “dedicated his life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland."

The family of Alex Salmond have paid tribute to a “formidable politician” who “dedicated his life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland”, in a statement released by The Alba Party.

“Alex was a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect, and admired throughout the world,” it said. “He loved meeting people and hearing their stories, and showed incredible kindness to those who needed it.

“He dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland. His vision and enthusiasm for Scotland and the Yes movement were both inspirational and contagious.

“But to us, first and foremost, he was a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend.”

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The former first minister had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum on October 12 before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room. The Alba party said it understood he had suffered a heart attack, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014. He resigned as first minister after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum resulted in a 55% to 45% vote to stay in the UK.

He launched his rival Scottish independence party, Alba, in 2021 after his relationship with his successor Nicola Sturgeon fractured. His final post on X, formerly Twitter, shortly before his death, ended “Scotland is a country not a county”.

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A commemoration for Mr Salmond was also held in the North Macedonian city of Ohrid, attended by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who is reported to have extended her condolences over the death of the former first minister.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of Alex Salmond, former first minister of Scotland, who died in North Macedonia on Saturday.

“The FCDO is in touch with the local authorities.”

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