Alex Salmond’s recent social media post before his passing reiterated a sentiment he felt strongly about: Scotland is a country, not a county. This declaration came in the wake of his death, which was announced after he had given a speech in North Macedonia that same day.
Prior to his passing, the Alba Party leader had been active on social media, particularly in criticizing Tony Blair’s comparison of the Scottish Parliament to an “English Parish Council.” Additionally, he expressed his disagreement with First Minister John Swinney’s participation in the UK Government’s Council of Nations and Regions meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Edinburgh.
Salmond believed that Swinney’s involvement in the meeting conveyed a perception of Scotland as having a “regional status.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining Scotland’s status as a country and not succumbing to a subordinate position within the UK.
In his social media post, Salmond highlighted the need for Scotland to assert its independence and think independently rather than subserviently. He criticized the meeting between Swinney and Starmer as a move that aimed to undermine the status of the Scottish Parliament and the First Minister.
Salmond’s advocacy for Scotland’s autonomy and recognition as a country, not a county, reflects his unwavering commitment to the nation’s sovereignty. His passing marks the end of an era for Scottish politics, but his message regarding Scotland’s identity and independence continues to resonate among his supporters and the wider community.
