During a trip to North Macedonia, Mr. Salmond, who led the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 69 after what appeared to be a heart attack.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, his family described him as “a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect and admired throughout the world.”
“He loved meeting people and hearing their stories and showed incredible kindness to those who needed it,” added the statement.
“He devoted the all of his adult life to the cause he supported: Scotland’s independence.
He always helped us get through our most trying times as a family, so this time is extra harder because he isn’t there for us to lean on. He was unbounded in his optimism and tenacity.
He inspired us to have higher hopes. Life will never be the same without Alex.
However, he would want us to carry on with his life’s work for justice and independence, so we will.
