Alex Salmond’s family have paid tribute to a “formidable politician” who “dedicated his life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland”, in a statement released by The Alba Party.
The former first minister was on a visit to the southern European country when he was suddenly taken ill yesterday (Saturday, October 12) with a suspected heart attack. Mark Donfried, director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, was in the room with the ex-SNP leader at the time and immediately called an ambulance.
The academic described his shock at Salmond’s sudden death and revealed he had been “in the best of spirits” in recent days.
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A heartfelt tribute from his family read: “Alex was 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.
“He dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland. His vision and enthusiasm for Scotland and the Yes movement were both inspirational and contagious.
“But to us, first and foremost, he was a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend.”
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