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In pictures: Alex Salmond's career in politics through the decades

News imagePA Media Alex SalmondPA Media
The SNP leader was sworn in as MSP for Banff and Buchan and leader of the opposition on the first day of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

Scotland's former First Minister Alex Salmond has died at the age of 69.

Having joined the SNP in 1973, he was a remarkable political heavyweight and led the country for seven years.

His bid for independence was unsuccessful and his reputation was diminished amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Here, we look at his life in pictures.

News imagePA Media Alex Salmond speaks during a Westminster debate on fishing policyPA Media
Salmond was first elected to the House of Commons in 1987, serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Banff and Buchan from 1987 to 2010.
News imageGetty Images Alex Salmond, with a stunning 300 vote majority, was elected leader of the Scottish National party at the age of 35. September 1990Getty Images
It was September 1990, when 35-year-old Salmond was elected leader of the SNP with a 300-vote majority. He was at the helm for 10 years during his first spell as party leader.
News imagePA Media Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond MP at the launch of the SNP Scottish election campaign in Edinburgh as fellow party members John Swinney MP and Nicola Sturgeon MP look on.PA Media
Alongside fellow MPs John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon, he launched the party's manifesto for the first Scottish Parliament election in 1999.
News imagePA Media Salmond and his wife Moira leave Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh after he voted First MinisterPA Media
After eight years in opposition, Salmond and his wife Moira were all smiles after he was officially elected as first minister.
News imagePA Images Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Salmond attend the state opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, shortly after he was elected first ministerPA Images
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Salmond attend the state opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, shortly after he was elected first minister.
News imagePA Media Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond addresses a conference at Napier University, Edinburgh, in which he set out the SNP's plans for a referendum on independence.PA Media
During a conference at Edinburgh Napier University in 2007 he set out the SNP's plans for a referendum on independence.
News imagePA Media Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond during a press conference at Edinburgh Castle following his statement to the Scottish Parliament outlining the referendum consultation.PA Media
He announced a referendum consultation to the Scottish Parliament in 2011, before holding a press conference at Edinburgh Castle.
News imagePA Media Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond (left), sign a referendum agreement, during a meeting at St Andrews House in Edinburgh.PA Media
It was a year later in 2012 that he signed a historic referendum agreement with then Prime Minister David Cameron.
News imagePA Media Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond chats to a member of the public during campaigning for the Yes campaign near Tannadice Stadium in Dundee ahead of the Scottish independence referendum on September 18.PA Media
The date for the referdum was set for 18 September 2014, and Salmond and his SNP colleagues headed out on the Yes campaign trail.
News imagePA Media Alex Salmond poses with two Aye cupcakesPA Media
There was plenty of fun on the trail as the first minister made the case for an independent Scotland.
News imagePA Media EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 14: Alex Salmond makes a selfie with a fan during a photocall to present the event A Night For Scotland, a concert for 'Yes Scotland' Referendum campaign at Usher Hall on September 14, 2014 in Edinburgh,PA Media
The campaign continued right to the very last moment and ended with 'A Night For Scotland', a concert for 'Yes Scotland' Referendum campaign at Usher Hall on 14 September.
News imagePA Media Salmond delivers a statement in Parliamnet standing down as FMPA Media
But it was not to be for the Yes campaign and Salmond resigned during a statement to the Scottish Parliament the very next day. This paved the way for new SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to take over.
News imageGetty Images Sturgeon and Salmond drinking teaGetty Images
As the party's new leader, Sturgeon remained close with Salmond as he joined her to campaign during the 2015 general election.
News imageGetty Images Former Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond (C) leaves after a preliminary hearing over allegations of sexual harassment, at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 22, 2020. - Scotland's former first minister Alex Salmond appeared in court on Thursday to face a string of sexual assault allegations, including an attempted rape at his official residence in 2014. A total of 10 women have made complaints against the 64-year-old, who led the Scottish National Party for more than 20 years.Getty Images
In 2020, Salmond went on trial accused of a string of sexual offences including an attempted rape at his official residence in 2014. A total of 10 women made complaints against him. He was acquitted of all charges.
News imagePA Media ALBA Party leader Alex Salmond (second right ALBA Lothian candidates Irshad Ahmed (left), Alex Arthur (second left) and Kenny MacAskill (right) at a photocall on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, marking the launch of the ALBA Lothian campaign for the Scottish Parliamentary election.PA Media
Salmond made a return to politics in 2021, as he launched the Alba party which focused on delivering independence. It stood candidates at the Scottish Parliament election that year.
News imageGetty Images Former first minister Alex Salmond listens as King Charles III addresses the Holyrood Chamber during a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to mark its 25th anniversary on September 28, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland.Getty Images
Salmond listens on as King Charles III addresses the Holyrood Chamber during a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to mark its 25th anniversary earlier this month.