Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland, dies aged 69

Mr. Salmond, who headed the devolved Scottish government for seven years from 2007, is credited with helping to push support for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom to record levels during the 2014 referendum campaign.

Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond attends the launch of ALBA’s national campaign, in Ellon, Scotland, Britain, April 6, 2021. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland and a prominent figure in the Scottish independence movement, died on Saturday (October 12, 2024). He was 69.

Mr. Salmond, who headed the devolved Scottish government for seven years from 2007, is credited with helping to push support for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom to record levels during the 2014 referendum campaign.

Scots, however, voted 55%-45% in favour of staying in the U.K. in the vote.

A source in the Scottish National Party (SNP), which Salmond led for about two decades, confirmed his death. The cause was not immeidately clear.

Published - October 12, 2024 10:37 pm IST