Former first minister Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Former first minister Alex Salmond has died suddenly at the age of 69.

Salmond, who led the SNP for two periods and was first minister between 2007 and 2014, reportedly died after falling ill in North Macedonia, where he was giving a speech.

Yesterday, one of the organisers of the conference, Mark Donfried, said Salmond had fallen back in his chair during lunch and that despite attempts by paramedics to save him, could not be resuscitated. 

A statement released last night on behalf of the former SNP leader's family said he had been a “formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect and admired throughout the world”.

“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.

“In our darkest of family moments, he was always the one who got us through, making this time even more difficult, as he is not here for us to turn to. His resilience and optimism knew no bounds.

“He led us to believe in better. Without Alex, life will never be the same again. But he would want us to continue with his life's work for independence, and for justice, and that is what we shall do. 'The dream shall never die'.”

Salmond led the SNP into the 2014 independence referendum, resigning as first minister afterwards. Most recently, he led the pro-independence Alba and was set to stand for the party at the 2026 Holyrood election.

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 right across the political spectrum.”

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was Salmond's deputy before succeeding him as party leader, said she was  “shocked and sorry” to hear of the death.

“Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland's fourth first minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.”

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said his death “will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond”.

He said: “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.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.

“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and first minister of Scotland.

“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”

Joanna Cherry, the former SNP MP, said: “I am devastated to hear this news. Alex Salmond was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and by any measure the finest first minister our country has had.

“He changed the face of Scottish politics. Sadly, he was ill-used by many of his former comrades, and I am particularly sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. Above all, I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “It is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics. He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.”

Salmond was born in Linlithgow in 1954 and attended the University of St Andrews before beginning a career as an economist.

He was elected MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987, a committed and articulate campaigner for the cause of Scottish independence. 

He became SNP leader in 1990, helping press for a Scottish parliament, where in 1999 he became leader of the opposition. 

He led his party to a historic election victory in 2007 and then secured an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament four years later in 2011. 

Following an agreement with then prime minister David Cameron, a referendum on Scottish indpendence was held on 18 September 2014. 

After a win for the no campaign, Salmond resigned, telling journalists gathered at Bute House: “My time is over, but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream shall never die.”

In recent years he was the subject of controversy after being charged with a series of sexual offences. He was cleared of all charges following a trial in 2020.

He took the Scottish Government to court and won after it carried out an investigation into allegations of misconduct. The government admitted breaching its own guidelines by appointing an investigating officer who had “prior involvement” in the case.

In 2021, he launched Alba and was planning to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026.