Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

In pictures: The life and times of former first minister Alex Salmond

Tributes have been pouring in for the former first minister following his death aged 69.

By Michelle Henderson

October 12 2024, 8:15 pm

October 12 2024, 8:15 pm

Former first minister Alex Salmond died today aged 69. Image: PA

Alex Salmond was one of the most influential figures in modern Scottish politics.

Through his roles as First Minister, a veteran SNP politician for decades in Aberdeenshire, and as the leader of the independence movement, Mr Salmond came close to taking Scotland out of the UK.

After stepping away from the Scottish National Party in 2017, the north-east politician launched the pro-independence Alba Party in 2021.

His political legacy was underlined by the scale of tributes pouring in for the 69-year-old, who died after delivering a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday.

We’ve put together a selection of pictures showing moments from his political career across northern Scotland.

Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon pictured during 77th Scottish National Party annual conference in 2011 in Inverness. — Former SNP leader Alex Salmond was joined by then Deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon during the 77th Scottish National Party annual conference at Eden Court in Inverness in 2011. Image: PA.

Alex Salmond dressed in dark blue watching his tee on the golf course. — Alex Salmond watched his tee shot during a practice day at the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links Course in Inverness in 2013. Image: SNS Group

Alex Salmond holding up yellow SNP banners as he launched re-election campaign in 2017. — The former SNP politician launched his re-election campaign at the New Inn Hotel in Ellon in 2017. Image: Kenny Elrick/ DC Thomson.

Nicola Sturgeon holding 9 month old Alastair Ruddick as Mr Salmond held 5 month old Roslyn Rankine during a visit to Dreams Daycare nursery in Insch in 2017. — Nicola Sturgeon holding 9-month-old Alastair Ruddick as Mr Salmond held 5-month-old Roslyn Rankine during a visit to Dreams Daycare nursery in Insch back in 2017. Image: Kenny Elrick/ DC Thomson.

Former first minister Alex Salmond turned up at the wedding of Stephanie and Richard Henderson,at Meldrum House in Aberdeen in May 2017. — Former first minister Alex Salmond turned up at the wedding of Stephanie and Richard Henderson, at Meldrum House in Aberdeen in May 2017. Image: Picasa

Alex Salmond was pictures leaving Aberdeen's former AECC venue in 2017 smiling despite losing his Westminster seat during the UK Parliamentary Election. — Alex Salmond pictured leaving Aberdeen’s former AECC venue in 2017 smiling despite losing his Westminster seat during the UK Parliamentary Election. Image: Kami Thomson/ DC Thomson.

Mr Salmond pictured addressing Alba Party supporters in Inverness in April 2021 — Mr Salmond pictured addressing Alba Party supporters in Inverness in April 2021. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson.

Alex Salmond pictures at Aberdeen beach — Alex Salmond pictured at Aberdeen Beach. Image: Scott Baxter/ DC Thomson.

Alex Salmond pictures watering plants at a garden centre in Westhill. — The Alba Party leader stopped for a spot of gardening at Foxlane Garden Centre in Westhill during the 2021 campaign trail. Image: Darrell Benns / DCT Media

Alex Salmond in Ellon on the day of the regional count for the Hollyrood Elections in May 2021. — Alex Salmond in Ellon on the day of the regional count for the Holyrood Elections in May 2021. Image: Paul Glendell/ DCT Media

The Alba party leader on his phone as votes are being counted for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Elections at P&J Live. — The Alba party leader on his phone as votes are being counted for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Elections at P&J Live. Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Mr Salmond pictured with Mike Morgan Charlotte Cross, Alex Salmond, Trish McPherson and Andy McCall in front of a Yes independence sign in the grounds of his Strichen home. — Mr Salmond pictured with Mike Morgan Charlotte Cross, Alex Salmond, Trish McPherson and Andy McCall on the grounds of his Strichen home. Image: Kath Flannery/ DC Thomson.

AlexSAlmond pictured smiling during an election count at P&J Live. — The former MSP for Aberdeenshire East was pictured during the Aberdeen election count at P&J Live in 2022. Image: Scott Baxter / DCT Media

Alex Salmond and Alba Party activists at his local Strichen polling station — Alex Salmond and Alba Party activists at his local Strichen polling station one year ago. Image: Alba Party

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