Scotland's former first minister Alex Salmond was acknowledged by both admirers and detractors as a politician of significant influence and expertise. — Reuters
Former UK prime minister Tony Blair on Sunday joined King Charles III and other prominent British figures in paying respects to former Scottish leader Alex Salmond, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 69.
"Very sorry to hear the news about Alex Salmond," Blair stated. "Regardless of our differences, he was a towering figure in Scottish and UK politics and was undeniably committed to Scotland and its people."
Salmond, a key figure in the independence movement and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) for two ten-year terms, died on Saturday while in North Macedonia. According to UK media, Salmond, who led Scotland from 2007 to 2014, fell ill after delivering a speech.
His political journey was characterized by electoral triumphs, thwarted aspirations for independence, controversies, and frequent disputes, including with his former protégé Nicola Sturgeon, who succeeded him as Scotland's leader. However, both supporters and critics recognized him as a politician of substantial impact and skill, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum.
Salmond was widely regarded as one of Britain's most astute and charismatic politicians in recent times, transforming the SNP from a minor party in Westminster into Scotland's dominant political force. His combative style earned him notoriety beyond Britain; a dispute with Donald Trump led the former US president to label him "Mad Alex."
King Charles expressed deep sorrow over Salmond's death, noting that "his dedication to Scotland fueled his decades of public service." Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Salmond as a "monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics" whose legacy endures.
Salmond stepped down as Scotland's leader after the 2014 independence referendum defeat and resigned from the SNP in 2018 amid allegations of rape and sexual assault. He was acquitted of all 14 charges following a 2020 trial and had previously won £500,000 in compensation from the Scottish government over the handling of the investigation.
Salmond later led the new pro-independence Alba Party, though it failed to replicate the SNP's political triumphs. The SNP still referred to him as "a titan of the independence movement." Scotland's current First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney remarked, "Alex tirelessly and fearlessly fought for the country he loved and her independence."
Salmond's electoral pinnacle was the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, where the SNP achieved an outright majority, previously deemed impossible. This victory shattered the two-party system of Labour and the Conservatives, reshaping Scottish politics and granting him the political clout to push for a referendum on Scottish independence from the UK, which then-prime minister David Cameron eventually allowed in 2014.
Scotland voted 55% to 45% to remain part of Britain. The abuse charges against Salmond sparked significant animosity between him and his successor Sturgeon over her handling of the allegations. Sturgeon expressed shock and sorrow at Salmond's death, acknowledging the past years' events that strained their relationship but recognizing his significant role in her life.
