Alex Salmond: Former Scottish First Minister dies aged 69
FORMER First Minister Alex Salmond has died at the age of 69.
The Alba leader passed away after delivering a speech in North Macedonia.
It's understood he collapsed after taking ill.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the U.K 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.
“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.
“It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”
Mr Salmond was First Minister of Scotland between 2007 and 2014.
He resigned after failing in his bid to persuade Scots to vote for independence in a referendum in 2014.
He returned to Westminster as MP for Gordon between 2015 and 2017.
Mr Salmond resigned from the SNP in August 2018 after allegations of sexual offences.
During a criminal trial in 2020 he was cleared of 14 sexual assault charges.
Asked if he expected to see another referendum, Mr Salmond told The Scottish Sun last month: "Well, whether it’s a referendum or not, I think Scotland will be independent in my lifetime."
Mr Salmond announced he was stepping down the day after Yes lost.
He recalled: “I wasn’t under any pressure to resign but by taking responsibility it cleared the field for the SNP. Those who lost the referendum emerged very quickly as the political winners.”
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