Alex Salmond took to social media to proudly fight for Scotland just hours before his death – signing off his final post with ‘Scotland is a country not a county’.The former First Minister, who died of a suspected heart attack yesterday during lunch at a conference in Macedonia, made a name for himself by fiercely fighting for his nation.A titan of Scottish politics, the 69-year-old led the Scottish National Party to their first majority in 25 years of devolution, where he secured a referendum for independence from then Tory Prime Minister David Cameron for 2014. Mr Salmond posted on social media just three hours before the news of his death was broken, characteristically lauding independence as he urged First Minister John Swinney to think ‘independently, not subserviently’.Slamming his involvement in Starmer’s Council of Nations and Regions yesterday, he raged that the meeting was a ploy ‘to pull any independence teeth from devolution’, saying that the Prime Minister was ‘freezing Scots pensioners’.The late politician was in the process of supporting a couple in their 70s, Peter and Florence Fanning from Coatbridge, who are taking a challenge to the Court of Session over Labour’s decision to restrict access to the winter fuel payment. Salmond said: ‘Tony Blair used to whine that he never really compared the Scottish Parliament to an “English Parish Council”, it was only the nasty Scottish press who twisted his remarks! In fact, he did so compare. The former First Minister, who died of a suspected heart attack yesterday during lunch at a conference in Macedonia, made a name for himself by fiercely fighting for his nation. Pictured: Mr Salmond at the conference on the day before his death Mr Salmond posted on social media just three hours before the news of his death was broken, characteristically lauding independence as he urged First Minister John Swinney to think ‘independently, not subserviently’ Alex Salmond can be seen smiling cheerfully in the center of what is believed to be his last photo alongside his Alba Party chair Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who is wearing a tartan dress  Mr Salmond was sat on the front row of the conference, on the day before he died at a lunch event Scotland’s First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party Alex Salmond arrives with his wife Moira Salmond to a Scottish Parliament election count in 2011 First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond, acknowledges applause with Nicola Sturgeon following his last key note speech as party leader of the SNP at the partys annual conference in 2014’Similarly, there is little point in John Swinney complaining that his attendance at the grandly titled Council of the Nations and Regions doesn’t carry a perception of a regional status for the nation of Scotland – it does deliver that status. ‘Of course the First Minister has the right to insist on bilateral JMC meetings with the Prime Minister. I am not sure in which world that correct business approach includes a convivial group selfie with the political opponent who is freezing Scots pensioners. ‘If John or his advisers had read Gordon Brown’s original proposal for this Council, then they would have realised that this wasn’t some ad hoc reset meeting, but part of a plan to pull any independence teeth from devolution. ‘It is designed to diminish the status of our Parliament and the First Minister. Part of becoming independent is about thinking independently, not subserviently. John should have politely declined the meeting with the words “Scotland is a country not a county”.’ Mr Salmond is believed to have collapsed during lunch at a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Eye-witnesses said medical teams desperately tried to resuscitate him after he appeared to have possibly suffered a heart attack, but they were unable to save him. Last night a touching informal memorial service was arranged in the Balkan country in which the former President of North Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, delivered a speech reflecting on Mr Salmond’s life and work. He leaves behind Moira, 87, his loyal wife of 43 years. The couple lived in Strichen, Aberdeenshire. It is believed Mrs Salmond was at home when her husband died. Mr Salmond is believed to have collapsed during lunch at a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Pictured: Standing in the front row  Eye-witnesses said medical teams desperately tried to resuscitate him after he appeared to have possibly suffered a heart attack, but they were unable to save him. Pictured: Mr Salmond seated in the front row during the conference The pro-independence political leader can be seen in a crowd of dignitaries after speaking on a panel at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in Ohrid, North Macedonia, on Friday morning Mr Salmond, a titan of Scottish politics, is believed to have collapsed during lunch at a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia Alex Salmond arrives with Deputy Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon to deliver his victory speech at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on May 6, 2011As his sudden death was shared with the world, friends, family, and politicians paid tribute and shared their memories of him.Mr Salmond was described by former colleagues as ‘one of the most talented politicians of his generation’ and ‘the finest First Minister our country has had’.He later split with the SNP to form the Alba Party following allegations of sexual harassment. He was cleared of 13 charges, including one of attempted rape, and later took successful legal action against his former party. On Friday, Mr Salmond had delivered a speech at the second edition of the Forum for Cultural Diplomacy, an event co-organized by the office of former North Macedonian President Ivanov, the International Center ‘Alliance of Civilizations,’ and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy from Berlin. A photo from the event showed him smiling cheerfully in the center of a crowd of dignitaries in what is believed to be his last photo, alongside his Alba Party chair Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who is wearing a tartan dress.The King lead tributes to the Scottish politician said he and the Queen are ‘greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond’, adding: ‘His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.’ Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, who described his decades-old friend as a ‘cheeky chappie’, who possessed a large dose of ‘bonhomie’, said that Mr Salmond ‘shaped’ the modern Scottish National Party. The pro-independence leader headed up the party as it went from opposition in the Scottish Parliament to government in 2007, where his party battled for the right to hold a referendum on independence. Pictured: In 2020 Former MSP Alex Salmond kicks off ALBA Lothian campaign with ALBA Lothian Candidates in Edinburgh Mr Salmond led the Scottish Nationalist Party between 1990 and 2000, and then again between 2004 and 2014. Pictured: With wife Moira in 2020 Queen Elizabeth II meets Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond at Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh in 2007He said: ‘I am so utterly shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Alex Salmond, my thoughts and prayers are with Moira at this devastating news for her and his loved ones.’Alex led the SNP and the Scottish Government, taking Scotland close to achieving its Independence in 2014. Alex’s talents were extraordinary in leading people, leading a Government and in leading a country.’NEWSWALLA columnist Andrew Neil, fondly remembered having lunch with him in London just three weeks ago, saying ‘he was in fine form’.Mr Neil continued: ‘Full of plans and plots. He even paid! His upbeat mood then make this all the more surprising and sad.’He and I could not have been more different in terms of Scotland’s position in the UK but we had a mutual respect and he knew I always regarded him as the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times.’Mr Neil added: ‘He was also the best of company. To be with him was always a joy. I will miss him hugely. So will Scotland. My condolences to his wonderful wife.’Fellow former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell also reflected fondly on his former sparring partner last night, saying: ‘You certainly had to be on your toes, debating with Alex Salmond.  Then SNP deputy Convenor John Swinney, vice Convenor Nicola Sturgeon, Leader Alex Salmond and Chief Executive Mike Russell sit down outside the Holiday Inn hotel in Edinburgh in 1999 Alex Salmond during a debate following the Government’s defeat on their fishing policy in 1995 Scottish Secretray, Michael Moore and Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond welcomes Prime Minister David Cameron to St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh prior to signing a referendum agreement in 2012’We had many ups and downs over the years, but I always respected his skill as a debater and as a proponent of his point of view, his energy and his campaigning pizzazz. ‘I think tonight, not only do we think about his wife, Moira, but we also remember somebody who loved the country, who made a significant impact in UK politics, not just in Scottish politics, over these 30 years and more, and who was a formidable opponent, and always somebody who you really had to match if you were going to be even just in the game.’His admirers and detractors alike last night told how he managed to bring the party from the fringes, into the mainstream.Sir Keir Starmer lead tributes to the political titan, calling him a ‘monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics’ who ‘leaves behind a lasting legacy’. The Prime Minister said: ‘For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.’As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service.’My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.’ Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has died aged 69. Pictured: On the last day of campaigning for the UK General Election in July The Alba Party leader reportedly passed away after giving a speech in North Macedonia. Pictured: In September 2024 Nicola Sturgeon, who was mentored as Mr Salmond’s deputy between 2007 and 2014, said he was an ‘incredibly significant figure in my life’.The pair’s relationship broke down irreconcilably as he faced allegations of sexual impropriety in 2018.In an interview last month he said that he ‘seriously doubted’ he would ever talk to his successor again. The former first minister said: ‘Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.’However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.’Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence. Alex Salmond launches the Yes campaign from a cinema in Edinburgh in 2012 Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister Alex Salmond and former deputy leader of the SNP Jim Sillars campaign with activists in Piershill Square in 2014 Alex Salmond, then First Minister of Scotland, and Alistair Darling, then chairman of Better Together take part in a live television debate by the BBC in 2014 in Glasgow’He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.’Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added that the late politician was a ‘huge figure in our politics’.He said: ‘Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.’And former First Minister Humza Yousaf added: ‘Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there’s no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish & UK politics. ‘As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today. My condolences to his family and friends.’Scottish First Minister John Swinney also shared his condolences, paying tribute to Mr Salmond for having ‘worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved’.He said: ‘I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family. Alex Salmond at a news conference following SNP victory in the General Election of 1997 Alex Salmond, Scottish National Party Leader and Scotland’s First Minister leaves Prestonfield House following his victory speech in 2011 Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and Scotland fans are pictured in Munich as Scotland got ready to compete in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, in June’Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.’There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.’ The politician was a prominent figure in the country’s fight for nationalism, and lead the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014.He resigned after the ‘Yes Scotland’ campaign was defeated, forming the Alba party in 2021.Mr Salmond, the first SNP politician to serve as First Minister, was elected in 2007 on a minority government before winning the only Holyrood majority in 2011. Over the course of his career he took the SNP from the fringes of Scottish politics in the 1980s to the most dominant party in the country. Paying tribute to their former leader today, the party said: ‘His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government. He was a titan of the independence movement. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.’ Actor and director Alan Cumming, a vocal supporter of Mr Salmond’s independence efforts, reposted the announcement of his death by the SNP. He later added a post, where he recalled a shared memory from the campaign trail.In a statement, leader of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar spoke about his former political opponent, calling him ‘a towering figure’. Member of Parliament and former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond speaks to journalists in central London in 2016 Alex Salmond speaks to the media on College Green, Westminster, London in 2022 of Alex Salmond holds up a biscuit during a visit to Borders Biscuits in Lanark, whilst on the Scottish election campaign trail in 2011 He said: ‘The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.’Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.’Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.’It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP. A towering figure.’Former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross added: ‘While we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years.’My thoughts are with Moira and his family and friends at this difficult time.’Former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson added that while they ‘disagreed on almost everything… I always respected his intellect and political nous.’They have been followed by an emotional outpouring of grief for the former SNP leader, with Perth and Kinross-shire MP saying he ‘can’t believe that Alex will no longer be with us’, while SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East Gillian Martin added that he was ‘an ever present figure in Scottish politics who made a huge difference.’ Ash Regan, Edinburgh Eastern MSP and Alba leader at Holyrood, posted on X: ‘A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself. My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream.’Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond was born in Linlithgow on Hogmanay in 1954, the second of four children to Robert Fyfe Findlay Salmond and Mary Stewart Salmond.His parents were civil servants, and have been described as ‘small n’ nationalists: people who were proud of Scotland, its history and traditions, but did not necessarily support independence. ALBA Party leader Alex Salmond launching the ALBA Lothian campaign for the Scottish Parliamentary election in April Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond with Yes Scotland’s chairman, Dennis Canavan on the Vote Yes campaign trail in Stirling in 2014 Alex Salmond beside an ad van during a visit to Falkirk, on the campaign trail in local government election in 2022As a schoolboy he stood for classroom election – campaigning to replace the school milk with ice cream.He also realised he had a knack for public performance when he became a boy soprano.In 2011 he told Desert Island Discs he ‘never suffered nerves as a boy’ and said: ‘If you can sing in front of thousands of people when you’re ten or 11 then being Scottish First Minister is nothing in comparison.’After school Mr Salmond studied a joint degree in economics and history at the University of St Andrews.At university in 1973 he had a row with his English girlfriend who was the secretary of the St Andrews University Labour Club over the party’s commitment to Scotland.She reportedly told him: ‘If you feel like that, go and join the bloody SNP.’Mr Salmond quickly did.After graduation he followed his parents into the civil service and became an assistant economist in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland in 1978. Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond campaigns for a Yes vote in east Edinburgh, Scotland, 10 September 2014 Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond attends the launch of ALBA’s national campaign, in Ellon, Scotland in 2021 Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland takes part in a live television debate by the BBC in the Kelvingrove Art Galleries in Glasgow in 2014 Alex Salmond at Alex Arthur’s Boxing Gym in Edinburgh during his campaigning for the Scottish Parliamentary election in 2021In 1980, he began his seven-year career with the Royal Bank of Scotland as an assistant economist before being appointed oil economist in 1982 and royal bank economist in 1985.While there his boss was Moira McGlashan who was from a traditionally conservative background. Although she was 17 years his senior at 43, the couple were married in 1981.A few years after joining the SNP he played a prominent role in the breakaway ’79 Group which took a republican left-wing stance and criticised the SNP leadership.The move earned Mr Salmond a brief expulsion from the party in 1982, something he later put down to being a ‘brash young man’.Despite this the rising star won the Westminster seat of Banff and Buchan in 1987.He quickly made a name for himself after getting banned from the Commons chamber for a week after interrupting the Chancellor’s Budget speech to protest against the poll tax.Within just three years, he became the SNP’s leader, defeating the favourite Margaret Ewing.Throughout the 1990s Mr Salmond’s leadership transformed the SNP into a modern, social democratic party with a Scottish nationalistic flavour. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond arrives with his wife Moira at the Piper Alpha disaster 20th anniversary memorial service at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting, in Aberdeen, 2008 Alex Salmond and Scottish actor Alan Cumming applaud during the launch of the ‘YES’ campaign for Scottish independence in Edinburgh, 2012 Alex Salmond at Alex Arthur’s Boxing Gym in Edinburgh during his campaigning for the Scottish Parliamentary election in 2015 He eventually stood down in 2000 after a series of fall-outs with other party leaders, but took charge again in 2004 with the relatively unknown Nicola Sturgeon as his deputy.The SNP narrowly won the 2007 Holyrood election and formed a minority government.During his years as First Minister Mr Salmond became a powerful force throughout Scotland and a household name across the UK.He was also pragmatic, building close relationships with leaders of big business such as Stagecoach boss Brian Souter, golf developer Donald Trump and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.BBC political editor Nick Robinson described him as ‘the canniest political operator in these isles’.But his political demeanor was sometimes arrogant and combative, which some analysts believe was the reason for his poor polling among female voters.Throughout his premiership he would do little detailed policy work and was attacked by his opponents for being ‘presidential’.However Mr Salmond remained popular and was able to connect with the electorate through a fatherly charm and charisma on the campaign trail. Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland and Alistair Darling chairman of Better Together take part in a live television debate by the BBC in 2014 Alex Salmond takes some tennis shots during a tour of Stirling University’s new sports facilities in 2007 Outside of politics Mr Salmond enjoyed horse racing, and would even offer his punditry to TV shows and newspapers occasionally.He was also a keen golfer, telling Desert Island Discs his luxury item would be a sand wedge and endless golf balls.His football team was the Edinburgh-based Heart of Midlothian FC, and he was a keen reader and admirer of the works of Scottish national poet Robert Burns.Mr Salmond was known for loving a drink – especially wine and spirits – and eating curries. He had a selection of favourite restaurants and hotels throughout Scotland and was renowned for being a fun dinner guest.Throughout his time as First Minister his protégé Sturgeon praised his political example.The pair’s relationship irreversibly broke down in 2018 when he faced 13 charges including  attempted rape and a series of sexual assaults, including one with intent to rape.He was cleared of all criminal charges following a trial in 2020, yet the bitter rift that developed between him and his protégé Nicola Sturgeon was enduring. The ordeal led to several inquiries into the handling of the complaints which further divided him and Ms Sturgeon.Despite the controversy Mr Salmond went on to form the Alba Party, which he led until his untimely passing on Saturday.As Scotland marks the death of one of its most influential political leaders, questions remain about outstanding legal challenges and projects that Mr Salmond was committed to.In November last year, he launched a legal case against the Scottish government alleging misfeasance by civil servants amid the botched handling of an investigation into harassment claims made against him.It is understood he was seeking around £3 million due to the reputational damage he suffered. It would have been the second time he took the government to court after winning a case in 2019 where he was paid out more than £500,000 in legal expenses.On Friday, Mr Salmond had delivered a speech at the second edition of the Forum for Cultural Diplomacy, an event co-organized by the office of former North Macedonian President Ivanov, the International Center ‘Alliance of Civilizations,’ and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy from Berlin.