LONDON, United Kingdom -

Scotland is in mourning following the passing of Alex Salmond, the former first minister who dedicated much of his political career to advocating for Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom. Salmond died at the age of 69, leaving behind a complex legacy that spanned over three decades in British politics.

Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, confirmed Salmond's death on Saturday, referring to him as a "central figure in politics for over three decades." Salmond's influence was particularly prominent during the 2014 independence referendum, a pivotal moment in Scotland's history, where he led the Scottish National Party (SNP) and fought passionately for independence, ultimately receiving 45 percent of the vote.

Despite the loss in the referendum, Salmond remained a vital force in Scottish politics. After stepping down from the SNP in 2018 amidst allegations of sexual harassment, he went on to establish a new political party known as Alba, aiming to continue the fight for independence.

Salmond served as Scotland’s first minister from 2007 until 2014, marking his tenure with significant political developments and policy changes in areas like health and education. His leadership of the SNP was also notable, as he steered the party through two terms: first from 1990 to 2000 and then from 2004 to 2014.

His death prompted reactions from various political figures, including former U.K. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recognized Salmond's formidable presence in politics. "While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics," Sunak expressed on social media.

The political landscape of Scotland and the ongoing debate regarding its independence are now left with a significant void, as Salmond's unique contributions will undoubtedly be remembered and analyzed for years to come. His passing marks not just the end of an era for the SNP but also reignites discussions about Scotland's future in relation to the UK. Will Salmond's vision for an independent Scotland ever be realized? Only time will tell, as both supporters and opponents of independence reflect on his impactful legacy during these turbulent political times.