Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland and a towering figure in UK politics, left an indelible mark on the political landscape. His recent passing at the age of 69 has sparked reflections on a man who was as loved as he was feared. Salmond’s legacy is one of political genius, deep personal flaws, and a fervent, almost relentless pursuit of Scottish independence. He was a man who redefined political journalism as a contact sport, well before Donald Trump made headlines for a similar approach in the US.
A Man of Great Ambition
Salmond’s ambitions were clear from the start. He sought two things: to make Scotland an independent country, and to join in the infamous “Tartan B*s” contest, where the worst Scottish political stories of the year were mocked by journalists at a private Christmas dinner. He came close to achieving the first during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, and while the second goal was more playful, it reflected his desire to be part of every corner of Scottish politics—even the irreverent parts.
Salmond’s untimely death in North Macedonia has brought back a flood of memories, from his political victories to his personal struggles. David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, and Kate Devlin, its Whitehall editor, both reported on Scottish politics during Salmond’s heyday. Maddox recalls the first time he saw the adoration for Salmond on the streets of Aberdeen, with people rushing out of shops to shake his hand. Few British politicians have commanded such a following, save for populists like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage.
The Political Rollercoaster
Salmond led the Scottish National Party (SNP) to power and nearly secured independence in the 2014 referendum. Though his independence dream was narrowly defeated, his influence remained significant. He left an indelible mark on Scotland’s political scene and was instrumental in building the SNP into the powerhouse it is today. Farage may have delivered Brexit and shaken up UK politics, but Salmond’s impact on Scotland was seismic.
Maddox reflects on the dual nature of Salmond’s personality. At times, Salmond was a charming and personable figure, but at other moments, he could be a ruthless and merciless political operator. This sharp contrast in behaviour meant that being in Salmond’s inner circle could be a blessing—or a curse.
During Maddox’s time as a journalist for the Aberdeen Evening Express, he experienced firsthand Salmond’s charm. The politician would often pick up the phone, offer words of encouragement, and even throw his arm around Maddox in a display of camaraderie. But Salmond could quickly turn, as Maddox found out when he moved to The Scotsman. After a brief period of mutual respect, Salmond cut off all communication, making it clear that those outside his favour would not be forgiven. Maddox notes that Salmond, much like Donald Trump, had a tendency to divide people into those who were with him and those who were against him.
The Rise and Fall
Kate Devlin, also a reporter during Salmond’s reign, recalls his behaviour toward journalists, particularly female reporters. She notes how Salmond seemed more at ease speaking with male journalists and could be cagey around women in the press corps. Salmond’s relationship with the media was often transactional—reporters either fell into the camp of “nationalists” or “unionists” in his eyes. His rise to power was marked by his ability to turn people against each other, dividing Scotland into those for independence and those against.
His 2007 election victory was a pivotal moment for the SNP, and Salmond never missed an opportunity to humiliate his political opponents. Maddox recalls an election night in 2007 when Salmond’s confidence was palpable. “I don’t know if I have won,” Salmond said, “but Labour has certainly lost.” It was a defining moment that set the stage for the SNP’s dominance in Scotland.
But Salmond’s ability to charm was matched by his capacity for revenge. Maddox recalls writing a piece in 2008 mocking Salmond’s well-known penchant for gambling, predicting he would lose the Glasgow East by-election. When the SNP narrowly won, Salmond used a press conference to publicly mock Maddox in front of other journalists. Salmond’s thin skin and relish for proving his critics wrong were legendary.
The Independence Referendum
The 2014 referendum on Scottish independence was the high-water mark of Salmond’s political career. It was a period of intense political division in Scotland, with Salmond leading the charge for the “Yes” campaign. However, the vote resulted in a 55-45 defeat for the pro-independence side, a result that devastated Salmond and his supporters.
Salmond’s conduct during the referendum campaign and afterward reflected his deep divide-and-conquer mentality. Journalists were split into pro- and anti-independence camps, and those who weren’t in Salmond’s favour were often excluded from major announcements and press events. Maddox recalls how Salmond only invited pro-independence journalists to his post-referendum press conference, forcing others to gatecrash the event.
Despite the defeat, Salmond remained a towering figure in Scottish politics. He resigned as First Minister but soon returned to Westminster, winning a seat in the 2015 general election. Even then, he remained a controversial figure, often clashing with his opponents and the media.
The Scandal That Ended His Career
Salmond’s downfall came in the form of allegations of sexual misconduct, which emerged in 2018. He was accused of harassment by multiple women, charges that would lead to a bitter feud with his protégé and successor, Nicola Sturgeon. Although Salmond was acquitted in a criminal court, the damage to his reputation was irreparable. He would go on to form the Alba Party in 2021, a political vehicle that never gained significant traction.
The scandal cast a shadow over Salmond’s legacy, raising questions about his use of power and influence. Maddox and Devlin both reflect on the cult-like loyalty Salmond commanded from his inner circle, a devotion that often blinded people to his more questionable actions. While he was cleared of criminal charges, many in the SNP establishment turned their backs on him, seeing him as a political liability.
A Man of Consequence
Despite his controversial legacy, Alex Salmond was undeniably one of the most consequential figures in modern Scottish politics. He was the architect of the SNP’s rise to power and the driving force behind the independence movement. His political acumen and charisma made him a formidable figure, but his personal flaws often overshadowed his achievements.
As Maddox and Devlin note, covering Salmond’s career was both a privilege and a challenge. He was a man who thrived on conflict and division, yet he could be incredibly charming and persuasive when it suited him. His legacy is a complicated one, filled with political triumphs and personal missteps.
Love him or loathe him, Alex Salmond’s impact on UK politics cannot be denied. He reshaped the political landscape in Scotland and almost changed the course of British history. As Scotland continues to grapple with questions of independence, his influence will be felt for years to come.
