Author: PAN PYLAS / AP

The world mourns the loss of Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland and a key figure in the push for Scottish independence. Salmond, who passed away at 69 in North Macedonia, was known for his leadership of the Scottish National Party and his efforts in the 2014 independence referendum. Despite his divisive nature in British politics, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praising Salmond’s deep care for Scotland’s heritage and culture. As first minister, Salmond played a significant role in elevating the SNP to government status, coming close to…