Alex Salmond’s reason for demise has been confirmed as a coronary heart assault following a autopsy examination, the Alba Get together has mentioned.
The politician, who was Scotland’s first minister from 2007 till 2014, died instantly in North Macedonia on Saturday. He was 69.
Mr Salmond had given a speech on the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Discussion board within the metropolis of Ohrid earlier than collapsing in a crowded room throughout lunch.
The Scottish authorities is working with UK officers to deliver his physique dwelling.
Conservative MP David Davis, who was a good friend of the previous Scottish Nationwide Get together (SNP) chief, has referred to as for the RAF to deliver his physique again to the UK.
A e-book of condolence has opened on the Scottish parliament for guests to go away messages that will probably be despatched to his household.
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Salmond speaks day earlier than demise
Amongst these paying tribute over the weekend was Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney who mentioned Mr Salmond “inspired a generation” to imagine in independence, as he praised his “substantial and significant contribution that he made over many decades to public life”.
Mr Salmond’s household mentioned he was “a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend”.
They added that “Alex was a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect and admired throughout the world” and he “dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland”.
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Alex Salmond had a ‘big affect’
In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, the King mentioned he and the Queen had been “greatly saddened” to listen to of Mr Salmond’s “sudden death”.
Mr Salmond was SNP chief from 1990 to 2000 and in addition had a second stint from 2004 to 2014.
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Way forward for Scottish independence?
He resigned as first minister after shedding a Scottish independence referendum in 2014, the place 55% of voters selected to remain within the UK.
Mr Salmond launched his rival Scottish independence social gathering Alba in 2021 after his relationship along with his successor Nicola Sturgeon fractured.
In his later years, Mr Salmond was in a authorized battle with the Scottish authorities, the place he gained greater than £500,000 in court docket after it was discovered an investigation into harassment complaints in opposition to him was “tainted by apparent bias”.
He then introduced in November 2023 that he can be taking additional motion.
Mr Salmond warned a “day of reckoning” for the Scottish authorities was coming as he named former first minister Ms Sturgeon and ex-permanent secretary Leslie Evans within the case, accusing each of “misfeasance”.
