Why was Alex Salmond in Macedonia before sudden death aged 69?

The former SNP leader is survived by wife Moira.

Former First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond sadly died of a suspected heart attack in North Macedonia today, but why was he there?

After leaving the SNP in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct Salmond founded and became leader of pro-independence party Alba which he remained at the head of until his death.

As part of his role as leader of Alba the 69-year-old was speaking at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in North Macedonia on Friday morning alongside Alba deputy leader Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.

The Alba chair had retweeted a number of comments made by Alex Salmond on X, formerly known as Twitter, just hours before his death. She has not yet made a public tribute.

Alex Salmond dies age 69

• Alex Salmond dies hours after speech
• Scotland and political world reacts
• Salmond died of 'suspected heart attack'
• Nicola Sturgeon's tribute to "mentor"

The pair in the centre of the picture above is Ahmed-Sheikh in a tartan dress next to Salmond in a blue shirt and tie, along with other dignitaries. The event on Friday morning was titled ‘Young Leaders for International Cooperation, Cultural Understanding & Peace’.

Salmond is thought to have been at the event again today when he collapsed and died, suffering a suspected heart attack. The news was confirmed to the Record by a spokesman for the Alba Party.

The former SNP leader is survived by wife Moira.

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