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The former first minister died of massive heart attack, a post-mortem examination has found - Salmond was having lunch when he suddenly collapsed, director of event in North Macedonia said
- Flags flown at half-mast and book of condolence placed at Scottish Parliament
- Alba colleague Chris McEleny urges UK Government to ‘do the right thing’
The Scottish Government is in talks with the Foreign Office over the repatriation of the body of Alex Salmond following his death on Saturday in North Macedonia.
In a statement, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has been in regular dialogue with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office since Saturday to ensure consular support is in place for the family and around the repatriation of the former First Minister.”
A post-mortem confirmed on Monday that the former first minister died after suffering a massive heart attack in North Macedonia around 3.40pm local time on Saturday.
The 69-year-old was taking part in a youth cultural and diplomatic event in the city of Ohrid.
Salmond was having lunch with other delegates, including Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, chair of the Alba Party, when he suddenly fell back in his chair.
Emergency services were called and CPR was carried out, however Mr Salmond passed away.
Veteran Tory David Davis, who was a friend of the Alba Party leader, has led calls for the RAF to step in to repatriate Salmond’s body.
Chris McEleny, a colleague of Mr Salmond’s, said that the UK Government should “do the right thing” and step in to bring Mr Salmond’s body back to Scotland.
He told STV News: “I’m sure today Kate Forbes, the deputy first minister of Scotland, is meeting with the United Kingdom Government to press the case for the UK Government to support the repatriation.
“I’m hopeful that Ms Forbes will have a productive outcome from me and the UK Government will do the right thing and step in.”
Stefan Dimovski, from Police of North Macdeonia, told STV News: “The incident at SVR Ohrid was reported at 3.30pm.
“A 69-year-old foreign national from Scotland became ill during a forum held at a hotel in Ohrid and tragically passed away at the scene.
“An investigation team, consisting of the Public Prosecutor, medical personnel, and officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Ohrid, was assembled.
“No signs of violence were detected, and the Public Prosecutor ordered the body to be sent for autopsy.”
Following his death, Alex Salmond’s family paid tribute, calling the former first minister a “loving husband and fiercely loyal brother.
His family offered thanks for the many messages of condolence following the news of the former first minister’s death.
In a letter to members, acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill said: “The news has come as a shock to us all and in the coming days our thoughts are focused only on Moira, supporting his family in any way that we can and returning Alex home to Scotland.
“It will take us all time to process his sudden loss, and it is right that we do so.
Tributes paid to Salmond in House of Commons
On Monday, the Speaker of the Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to the former MP, who was elected in the Banff and Buchan constituency in 1987 and later represented Gordon.
Sir Lindsay told MPs: “He served the people of Scotland for over 30 years as a member of this House, a member of the Scottish Parliament and, of course…as first minister of Scotland.
“He was a tireless campaigner for Scottish independence, securing the UK government’s agreement for the 2014 referendum and playing a leading role in the Yes campaign.
“His final departure from this House was in 2017. It marked the first occasion in more than three decades when he was not serving in an elected role at either here or Holyrood.
“He leaves a deep and lasting legacy behind him. His sudden death at the weekend came as a complete shock and the thoughts of this whole House are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
‘State of shock’ over Salmond’s sudden death
A leader of the conference where Salmond spent his last few days said the forum is “in a state of shock” over his death.
Mark Donfried, director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, said: “He was here the last few days, he gave excellent participation two days ago at the panel discussion.
“All of a sudden he just went out and fell into the arms of a colleague of mine on the other side of the table. I immediately got up and ran to call an ambulance and when I came back, he was on the floor”
Mark Donfried, director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy
“He was really in the best of spirits, the best of health, and I was sitting across from him at lunch yesterday when all of a sudden he just went out and fell into the arms of a colleague of mine on the other side of the table. I immediately got up and ran to call an ambulance and when I came back, he was on the floor.”
EBUMr Donfried added: “We’re all completely shocked – the entire hotel, the conference, it’s been very difficult for all of us.
“He was a great man who we all looked up to and so we’re still all in a state of shock.
“Last night, we had a brief moment of reflection on his legacy.
“There was a humility with Alex, he had an authenticity, it was amazing to see how he’d touched individuals he had only known for a few days.”
Academy for Cultural DiplomacyResidents in Salmond’s home town of Strichen in Aberdeenshire spoke of their shock at his sudden death, with floral tributes laid outside of his home.
Scotland flags and floral tributes were also laid outside of Holyrood on Monday. A book of condolence has also been placed in the main hall of the Scottish Government for members of the public to sign.
STV News
STV News
STV NewsFormer North Macedonia President Gjorge Ivanov sent his condolences to Salmond’s “family and loved ones in this difficult time”.
He told STV News: “Alex was truly a remarkable politician – an exemplary orator, a loyal friend, and a joyful man full of life, strength, and energy.
“On October 11, he participated in a panel as part of the forum on cultural diplomacy, which marked his last public appearance. He spoke to the youth with such energy and enthusiasm. Many young people who had studied in Scotland attended the forum just to hear him speak. The impact of his address was evident from the applause that followed, as well as the numerous questions they asked him, showing their genuine interest.
“From that moment, it was clear what kind of person he was – more than just a great orator, but someone with deep empathy who knew how to engage and connect, particularly with young people. The panel focused on young leaders and the future and his ability to inspire was evident.”
The President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska Davkova led a commemoration ceremony in memory of Salmond on Saturday night.
Gordana Siljanovska DavkovaAlex Salmond’s last speech
Salmond participated in a panel discussion on Friday morning at the Ohrid Cultural Diplomacy Forum 2024.
He spoke about both the Scottish independence referendum and the Brexit vote, with a focus on reconcilliation in the wake of a democratic process that may have a divisive result.
“My general message is respect for democratic, legitimate democratic aspirations leads to good outcomes,” he said.
“Disrespecting it in one way or another, and often surprisingly, can lead to bad outcomes for everyone.”
STV NewsSalmond served as the first minister from 2007 to 2014 and was a prominent figure in Scotland’s nationalist movement.
Salmond’s Alba Party said it “grieves the loss of our founder and Leader”, adding that the “dream he cherished so closely, and came so close to delivering, will never die.”
At the Scottish Parliament on Sunday, flags were flown at half-mast in tribute.
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