Who was Alex Salmond and what were his primary political roles?

Alex Salmond was a prominent Scottish politician who served as the First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014. He was also the Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on two separate occasions, first from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014. Later in his career, he led the Alba Party from 2021 until his death in 2024.

When and where was Alex Salmond born, and when did he pass away?

Alex Salmond was born on December 31, 1954, in Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland. He passed away on October 12, 2024, in Ohrid, North Macedonia, at the age of 69.

What was Alex Salmond's educational background?

Alex Salmond received his education at Linlithgow Academy. He then attended Edinburgh College of Commerce, where he earned an HNC in Business Studies, before proceeding to the University of St Andrews. At St Andrews, he studied Economics and Medieval History, graduating with an MA in 1978.

When did Alex Salmond first become involved with the Scottish National Party (SNP)?

Alex Salmond became active in the SNP in 1973 when he joined the Federation of Student Nationalists at the University of St Andrews. His decision to join the party was reportedly influenced by a conversation with an English student and fellow club member.

What was the significance of the '79 Group in Alex Salmond's early political career?

The '79 Group was a socialist republican organization within the SNP. Alex Salmond was a leading member of this group, and he, along with other leaders, was temporarily suspended from the SNP when the group was banned by the party.

When did Alex Salmond first become Leader of the SNP, and who did he defeat?

Alex Salmond first became Leader of the Scottish National Party in 1990, winning the leadership contest against Margaret Ewing by a vote of 486 to 146.

How did Alex Salmond's leadership influence the SNP's strategy regarding devolution?

Under Alex Salmond's leadership, the SNP adopted a gradualist strategy and supported the campaign for devolution, playing a key role alongside other party leaders in securing a 'Yes' vote in the 1997 Scotland referendum. This move was controversial for some hardline SNP members who desired full independence rather than devolution.

What was Alex Salmond's stance on the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia?

Alex Salmond opposed the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia, arguing that it lacked authorization from a United Nations Security Council resolution. He faced criticism for describing Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to intervene as an "unpardonable folly."

When did Alex Salmond first resign as SNP leader, and who succeeded him?

Alex Salmond resigned as SNP leader in 2000, facing internal criticism. He was succeeded by John Swinney, who won the subsequent leadership election.

What led to Alex Salmond's return as SNP leader in 2004?

Following a perceived "disaster" for the SNP in the June 2004 European Parliament elections, pressure mounted on the then-leader John Swinney to resign. Swinney stepped down, and Alex Salmond announced his candidacy for the leadership, which he had previously stated he would not pursue. He won the election convincingly.

How did Alex Salmond become First Minister of Scotland in 2007?

Alex Salmond led the SNP to become the largest party in the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, winning 47 seats. Although they initially sought a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, those talks failed. The SNP then formed a one-party minority government, with support from the Scottish Greens through a 'confidence and supply' agreement, allowing Salmond to be elected First Minister.

What was Alex Salmond's government's stance on Scottish independence during his first term?

In his first term as First Minister, Alex Salmond's government sought support for a referendum on Scottish independence. However, due to insufficient support from other parties in the Scottish Parliament, a referendum could not be held during this period.

How did the 2011 Scottish Parliament election impact Alex Salmond's premiership?

The SNP, under Alex Salmond's leadership, achieved an overall majority in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, winning 69 seats. This was a significant feat, as it was the first time any party had secured a majority under the additional member system used for Scottish Parliament elections, giving Salmond a strong mandate to pursue an independence referendum.

What was the outcome of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, and what was Salmond's subsequent action?

The 2014 Scottish independence referendum resulted in a majority vote against independence. Following this outcome, Alex Salmond announced his resignation as First Minister of Scotland in September 2014, stating that while his time as leader was ending, the campaign for independence would continue.

Who succeeded Alex Salmond as First Minister of Scotland?

Nicola Sturgeon, who had served as Deputy First Minister and SNP leader, succeeded Alex Salmond as First Minister of Scotland. She formally took over after Salmond submitted his resignation in November 2014.

When did Alex Salmond return to the UK Parliament, and for which constituency?

Alex Salmond returned to the UK Parliament by being elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Gordon constituency in the 2015 general election. He had previously served as an MP for Banff and Buchan from 1987 to 2010.

What happened to Alex Salmond's parliamentary career after 2015?

After being elected MP for Gordon in 2015, Alex Salmond served as the SNP's International Affairs and Europe spokesperson. However, he lost his seat in the 2017 general election to Colin Clark of the Scottish Conservative Party, marking the first time since 1987 that he was not holding an elected position in either the Scottish or UK Parliament.

What allegations did Alex Salmond face in 2018, and what was the outcome?

In August 2018, Alex Salmond resigned from the SNP to contest allegations of sexual misconduct made against him concerning events in 2013. He was subsequently charged with 14 offences, including attempted rape and sexual assault. After a trial, he was acquitted of all charges in March 2020.

What was the result of the Scottish Government's judicial review concerning the harassment allegations against Salmond?

The Scottish Government conceded that its procedures in handling the harassment allegations against Alex Salmond were flawed, leading to a judicial review victory for Salmond. The government subsequently paid him over £500,000 in legal expenses.

When did Alex Salmond become the leader of the Alba Party?

Alex Salmond announced he had joined and become the leader of the Alba Party on March 26, 2021. The party was formed to contest the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

What was the electoral performance of the Alba Party under Alex Salmond's leadership?

The Alba Party, under Alex Salmond's leadership, failed to win any seats in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, polling 44,913 votes (1.7% overall). They also fielded candidates in the 2022 Scottish local elections but did not win any seats. The party also failed to win any seats in the 2024 UK general election.

What were Alex Salmond's personal interests outside of politics?

Outside of his political career, Alex Salmond had interests in golf, horse racing, football (supporting the Scotland national team and Heart of Midlothian FC), reading, watching Star Trek, and listening to country music. He also wrote a weekly column for The Scotsman and appeared on Channel 4's The Morning Line.

What was the cause of Alex Salmond's death?

Alex Salmond's cause of death was confirmed as a heart attack. He passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 69 while in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

How did Alex Salmond's death impact official proceedings in Scotland?

Following the announcement of his death, flags at the Scottish Parliament Building and other Scottish Government buildings were lowered to half-mast. A minute's applause was held before a Scotland national football team match, and a book of condolence was opened at the Scottish Parliament.

Who paid for the repatriation of Alex Salmond's body from North Macedonia?

The repatriation of Alex Salmond's body from North Macedonia was financed by Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter.

Where was Alex Salmond's funeral held, and who attended?

Alex Salmond's private funeral service took place on October 29, 2024, at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire. Attendees included family, friends, and political figures such as Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, John Bercow, Fergus Ewing, Annabelle Ewing, Alex Neil, Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry, Ash Regan, and Kenny MacAskill.

Who delivered tributes at Alex Salmond's memorial service in Edinburgh?

A memorial service for Alex Salmond was held on November 30, 2024, at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. Tributes were paid by figures including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay. Musical performances were given by Dougie MacLean, The Proclaimers, Alasdair Fraser with Natalie Haas, and Sheena Wellington.

What honorary degrees did Alex Salmond receive?

Alex Salmond was awarded honorary degrees in recognition of his political career, including a doctorate from the University of St Andrews in 2007 and the degree of Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) from the University of Glasgow in 2015.

What award did Alex Salmond receive in 2007?

In November 2007, Alex Salmond received The Spectator award for Parliamentarian of the Year, acknowledging his "brilliant campaign" and "extraordinary victory" in the Scottish Parliament elections.

What was the nature of Alex Salmond's relationship with Nicola Sturgeon in his later years?

While Nicola Sturgeon served as Deputy First Minister and later First Minister, her relationship with Alex Salmond deteriorated significantly in the years leading up to his death. This breakdown was largely attributed to the political scandal surrounding the harassment allegations against Salmond and Sturgeon's handling of the matter.

What was Alex Salmond's role in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum campaign?

Alex Salmond was a central figure in the campaign for Scottish independence, leading the 'Yes Scotland' campaign. His government published the white paper 'Scotland's Future' and negotiated the Edinburgh Agreement with the UK government to establish a legal framework for the referendum, which was held on September 18, 2014.

What specific policies did Alex Salmond's government implement or pledge during its tenure?

Key policies and pledges from Alex Salmond's governments included the abolition of university tuition fees, the scrapping of prescription charges, commitments to renewable energy, a freeze on council tax, and the abolition of bridge tolls. These were outlined in programmes for government and campaign manifestos.

How did Alex Salmond's early career as an economist influence his political views or actions?

Salmond's background as an economist likely informed his focus on economic issues, such as renewable energy potential and fiscal policy, during his political career. His work at the Scottish Office and Royal Bank of Scotland provided him with insights into economic management and policy-making.

What was Alex Salmond's stance on the UK's participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq?

Alex Salmond strongly opposed the UK's participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He supported efforts to impeach Tony Blair over the issue and claimed that Blair's statements regarding weapons of mass destruction were intended to deceive the public.

What was the "Royal Bank/BBC oil index" created by Alex Salmond?

While working as an oil economist for the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1983, Alex Salmond created an "oil index" in collaboration with the BBC. This index is reportedly still in use today and reflects his early engagement with economic data and analysis.

What role did Nicola Sturgeon play during Alex Salmond's second tenure as SNP leader and First Minister?

During Alex Salmond's second tenure as SNP leader (2004-2014) and First Minister (2007-2014), Nicola Sturgeon served as his Deputy First Minister and was the SNP's leader in the Scottish Parliament. She played a crucial role in the party's strategy, particularly concerning the independence referendum campaign.

What was Alex Salmond's view on the relationship between faith and politics?

Alex Salmond considered himself a religious man and a member of the Church of Scotland. While his personal faith was a part of his life, his political actions and statements, such as his stance on same-sex marriage legislation, were often framed within broader policy considerations rather than solely religious doctrine.

How did Alex Salmond's political career conclude in the UK Parliament?

Alex Salmond's tenure as an MP concluded when he lost his seat for Gordon in the 2017 general election to Colin Clark of the Conservatives. This marked the end of his direct representation in the UK Parliament after a career that spanned from 1987 to 2017, with a break between 2010 and 2015.

What was the "Alex Salmond scandal" mentioned in the text?

The "Alex Salmond scandal" refers to the political fallout from the sexual misconduct allegations made against him. This led to a judicial review of the Scottish Government's handling of the complaints, Salmond's acquittal of criminal charges, and a subsequent parliamentary committee investigation into the government's actions.

What was Alex Salmond's final political affiliation before his death?

Alex Salmond's final political affiliation was as the leader of the Alba Party, a position he held from March 2021 until his death in October 2024.

What was the context of Alex Salmond's final public appearance before his death?

Alex Salmond's final public appearance was on October 12, 2024, in Ohrid, North Macedonia, where he spoke at the Gjorge Ivanov School for Young Leaders alongside Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh. He reportedly collapsed during lunch shortly after this engagement.

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Biographical Overview

Early Life and Education

Born on December 31, 1954, in Linlithgow, West Lothian, Alex Salmond was the second of four children to Robert and Mary Salmond, both civil servants. He endured childhood asthma and received a strong emphasis on education from his parents. Salmond attended Linlithgow Primary School and Linlithgow Academy before pursuing Economics and Medieval History at the University of St Andrews, graduating in 1978.

Early Career

Post-graduation, Salmond began his career as an assistant economist in the Scottish Office. He later moved to the Royal Bank of Scotland, where he worked for seven years, eventually becoming an oil economist. During his tenure, he contributed to economic analysis and broadcasting, even creating a notable oil index.

Political Beginnings

Salmond's political journey began in 1973 when he joined the Federation of Student Nationalists at St Andrews. Initially a committed left-winger and member of the 79 Group, he experienced a brief suspension from the SNP. He was elected as the SNP's Vice Convener for Publicity in 1985 and subsequently won the Banff and Buchan seat in the House of Commons in 1987, becoming Senior Vice Convener (Deputy Leader) of the SNP.

Parliamentary and Party Career

Westminster and Holyrood

Salmond served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Banff and Buchan from 1987 to 2010. He was instrumental in the SNP's campaign for devolution, supporting the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. He was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Banff and Buchan in 1999, later representing Gordon and Aberdeenshire East.

Early Political Stance

Salmond's early political career was marked by a left-wing stance and opposition to military interventions, such as the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia. He advocated for a gradualist approach towards Scottish independence, moderating his earlier views while maintaining the party's core objective.

Media Presence

Throughout his career, Salmond maintained a notable media presence, contributing to horse racing publications and appearing on television. His political strategies and public appearances often garnered significant media attention.

SNP Leadership

First Tenure (1990-2000)

Salmond first became Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1990, defeating Margaret Ewing. His leadership saw the party increase its parliamentary representation and navigate the complex landscape of devolution. He resigned as leader in 2000, succeeded by John Swinney.

Second Tenure (2004-2014)

Following a period away from leadership, Salmond returned in 2004, running on a joint ticket with Nicola Sturgeon. This tenure was marked by significant electoral success, culminating in the SNP's victory in the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, which led to his appointment as First Minister.

Broadcasting and Public Engagement

During his leadership, Salmond engaged actively in public discourse. Notably, his voice was featured on BBC Radio 4's "Desert Island Discs," offering a glimpse into his personal influences and perspectives.

Salmond's voice

from the BBC programme Desert Island Discs, 21 January 2011^[1]

First Minister of Scotland (2007-2014)

Ascendancy to Power

In 2007, Salmond led the SNP to victory, becoming the first nationalist First Minister of Scotland. His minority government, supported by the Scottish Greens, implemented significant policies, including the abolition of university tuition fees and prescription charges.

Majority and Referendum Mandate

The SNP achieved an unprecedented majority in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election. This mandate allowed Salmond to pursue his long-held ambition: a referendum on Scottish independence, which was held in 2014.

Independence Referendum

Salmond spearheaded the "Yes Scotland" campaign for independence. Despite a vigorous campaign, the referendum in 2014 resulted in a majority voting to remain part of the United Kingdom. Following this outcome, Salmond resigned as First Minister.

Post-Premiership and Alba Party

Return to Westminster

Salmond returned to the UK Parliament as the MP for Gordon in 2015. He served as the SNP's International Affairs and Europe spokesperson until losing his seat in the 2017 general election.

Broadcasting Career

After leaving elected office, Salmond hosted "The Alex Salmond Show" on RT and later "Scotland Speaks with Alex Salmond" on social media and TRT, engaging in political commentary and interviews.

Founding the Alba Party

In 2021, Salmond launched the Alba Party, a new pro-independence political movement. Despite efforts, the party did not secure parliamentary representation in subsequent elections, though Salmond remained its leader until his death.

Personal Life and Interests

Marriage and Family

Salmond married Moira McGlashan in 1981. They had no children and maintained a private personal life, residing in Aberdeenshire. He was a member of the Church of Scotland.

Interests and Hobbies

Outside of politics, Salmond was an avid follower of golf, horse racing, and football, supporting Heart of Midlothian FC and the Scotland national team. He also enjoyed reading, Scottish culture, and science fiction, particularly Star Trek.

Awards and Recognition

Salmond received several honorary degrees from Scottish universities, including the University of St Andrews and the University of Glasgow, in recognition of his extensive political career and contributions.

Passing and Legacy

Final Moments

Alex Salmond passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 69, while in Ohrid, North Macedonia. He had been participating in a forum for young leaders. His death was attributed to a heart attack.

Tributes and Mourning

News of his death prompted widespread tributes from across the political spectrum, including from King Charles III, the Prime Minister, and former colleagues. Flags were flown at half-mast across Scotland in his honour.

Funeral and Memorial

A private funeral service was held in Strichen, Aberdeenshire. A public memorial service took place later at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, attended by prominent figures from Scottish and UK politics, arts, and culture.

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References

McKay, G. (2015). THE LION AND THE SALTIRE A Brief History of the Scottish National Party. (n.p.): Lulu. pg 78

Holyrood Roundup, Election of First Minister from Scottish Parliament's YouTube, 18 May 2011

A full list of references for this article are available at the Alex Salmond Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is presented in the persona of a PhD Professor for an academic audience.

This is not professional political commentary or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional political analysis or consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific insights into political matters.

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Alex Salmond

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Biographical Overview 👤

🎂 Early Life and Education

💼 Early Career

⚖️ Political Beginnings

Parliamentary and Party Career 🏛️

🗳️ Westminster and Holyrood

🗣️ Early Political Stance

🎤 Media Presence

SNP Leadership 🚩

🏆 First Tenure (1990-2000)

🚀 Second Tenure (2004-2014)

🔊 Broadcasting and Public Engagement

First Minister of Scotland (2007-2014) 👑

🤝 Ascendancy to Power

📈 Majority and Referendum Mandate

🇬🇧 Independence Referendum

Post-Premiership and Alba Party ⭐

🇬🇧 Return to Westminster

📺 Broadcasting Career

🕊️ Founding the Alba Party

Personal Life and Interests ⛳

💍 Marriage and Family

📚 Interests and Hobbies

📜 Awards and Recognition

Passing and Legacy ⚰️

🌍 Final Moments

💐 Tributes and Mourning

🕊️ Funeral and Memorial

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

Early Life and Education

Early Career

Political Beginnings

Parliamentary and Party Career

Westminster and Holyrood

Early Political Stance

Media Presence

SNP Leadership

First Tenure (1990-2000)

Second Tenure (2004-2014)

Broadcasting and Public Engagement

First Minister of Scotland (2007-2014)

Ascendancy to Power

Majority and Referendum Mandate

Independence Referendum

Post-Premiership and Alba Party

Return to Westminster

Broadcasting Career

Founding the Alba Party

Personal Life and Interests

Marriage and Family

Interests and Hobbies

Awards and Recognition

Passing and Legacy

Final Moments

Tributes and Mourning

Funeral and Memorial

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice