Alex Salmond was the first minister of Scotland from 2007 through 2014, leading the country as it prepared to vote on a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.
- Died: October 12, 2024 (Who else died on October 12?)
- Details of death: Died in North Macedonia at the age of 69.
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Alex Salmond’s legacy
Salmond first became politically active as a college student who believed in the cause of Scottish independence. He joined the independence-focused Scottish National Party, and by 1990, he had risen to become the party’s leader. After being elected to Scottish Parliament in 1999, he stepped down as SNP leader, but he returned to lead the party again in 2004.
In 2007, Salmond was elected as Scotland’s first minister, the highest office in the country that is under British rule but maintains its own government and parliament. His time in office is best known for his campaign for Scottish independence. The vote took place during his second term, in 2014. Despite his career-long efforts toward independence, the referendum failed, with only 45 percent voting in favor. Salmond stepped down as first minister the day after the vote.
Salmond stayed active in politics even after his resignation as the country’s leader. He remained in Parliament for several years and continued to be a prominent face of the SNP. He resigned from the SNP in 2018 when allegations of sexual misconduct were brought against him. He was arrested the following year and charged with 14 offenses against 10 women, but in 2020, he was acquitted of 12 charges; one was found not proven, and another had been previously withdrawn. In 2021, Salmond became leader of the new pro-independence Alba Party. He remained at the party’s helm until his death.
Notable quote
“I believe the thing I’m most pleased to leave behind is a highly politically engaged Scottish electorate.” — from a 2014 interview for The Guardian
Tributes to Alex Salmond
Full obituary: The New York Times
