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.
We’ve put together a selection of pictures showing moments from his political career across northern Scotland.
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 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
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 back in 2017. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
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
Alex Salmond pictured at Aberdeen Beach. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson
The Alba Party leader stopped for a spot of gardening at Foxlane Garden Centre in Westhill during the 2021 campaign trail. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Alex Salmond in Ellon on the day of the regional count for the Holyrood Elections in May 2021. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson
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
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
The former MSP for Aberdeenshire East was pictured during the Aberdeen election count at P&J Live in 2022. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson
Alex Salmond and Alba Party activists at his local Strichen polling station one year ago. Image: Alba Party
Alex Salmond visited Ellon Music School in 2011, Skin Deep, to drum up support for election campaign. Pictured with his niece and newly elected member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Christina Hendry, 15, and Skin Deep owner Ian Brown. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Aberdeen boxer Lee McAllister endorsing Alex Salmond and the SNP in 2011. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Scottish Parliamentary Election Count and declaration at the Press and Journal arena, AECC in 2011. Clean sweep for the SNP in the North East – MSP seat winners L-R Kevin Stewart, Derek Robertson, Stewart Steveson, Maureen Watt, Alex Salmond and Brian Adam. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson
First Minister Alex Salmond reads the Evening Express at Longside Airfield. Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson
Fly Cup Catering trainees Kirsty Mathieson (left) and Rachel Marr with First Minister Alex Salmond who is officially opening their new coffee shop and training school at Blackhall Industrial Estate, Inverurie. Image: DC Thomson
First Minister Alex Salmond on a tour around the new Intertek research facility in 2012. Pictured is the First Minister with lab tech Laura Geals. Image: Richard Frew/DC Thomson
Pound for Piper Trust trustee, Sean Liddle, with First Minister, Alex Salmond, on a visit to the Piper Alpha memorial garden where he announced Scottish Government funding to support the work of the trust. Image: DC Thomson
First minister, Alex Salmond, Paul Lawrie and Craig Lawrie at Murcar Golf Club, Aberdeen in 2014. Image: Jim Irvine/DC Thomson
Alex Salmond, the Scottish National Party (SNP) candidate for Gordon in the 2017 General Election, formally launch his campaign for re-election at the New Inn Hotel in Ellon in 2017. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Alex Salmond, the Scottish National Party (SNP) candidate for Gordon in the 2017 General Election, formally launch his campaign for re-election at the New Inn Hotel in Ellon. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Pictured is Alba Party leader Alex Salmond on the campaign trail at Foxlane Garden Centre in Westhill in 2021. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Unveiling of the Turra Cow in Turriff – SNP Eilidh Whiteford and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond lift the covers on the Turra Cow. Image: DC Thomson
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond with the Turra Cow. Image: Simon Walton/DC Thomson
First Minister Alex Salmond during the Turriff Show in 2008. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
First Minister Alex Salmond and his wife Moira arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, for a service of thanksgiving to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA
Alex Salmond with his book. Image: Jamie Ross
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond outside his home in Strichen with a YES sign on the day of the Scottish independence referendum. Image: PA
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond outside his home in Strichen, Scotland, after announcing yesterday that he will be standing down as First Minister following the Yes campaign defeat in the Scottish independence referendum.
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond chats to school children at Strichen Primary School in Strichen, as polls have opened on a historic day for Scotland as voters determine whether the country should remain part of the United Kingdom. Image: Danny Lawson/PA
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond in Newmachar, Scotland, as Scotland goes to the polls to vote in the Scottish independence referendum. Danny Lawson/PA
“With love and thanks from Moira and I for all your kind messages of support.” Image: Alex Salmond/Twitter
Queen Elizabeth II holding an audience with Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The Queen “will be proud” to be the monarch of an independent Scotland, according to Salmond. Image: PA
Queen Elizabeth II with First Minister Alex Salmond as they view the riding procession during the ceremonial opening of the Scottish Parliament, in Edinburgh. Image: PA
Alex Salmond (right) arriving at the High Court in Edinburgh with his wife Moira during his trial, in which he was cleared of all charges. Image: Jane Barlow/PA
Floral Tributes laid outside Alex Salmond’s Strichen home. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
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In pictures: The life and times of former first minister Alex Salmond
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