Alex Salmond: Public Figure and Private Life

While much has been documented regarding Alex Salmond’s political abilities, his personal life, away from public scrutiny, remains less understood. Individuals familiar with him describe a man who depended on his wife of over four decades for support. He found solace at their residence in Aberdeenshire, and his often outgoing personality occasionally receded to reveal a more reserved aspect. Roseanna Cunningham stated, “The truth is that Moira was an absolute mainstay for Alex.” The former SNP MSP, who first encountered Salmond in the late 1970s, later competed against him for the party leadership and held a position in his administration. Cunningham further elaborated, “The reality of that marriage was his need for Moira to be there.” She continued, “Moira was absolutely central to Alex’s life.” She noted, “She doesn’t seek the limelight herself. I think what she made… was a place for Alex, for him to go back to being Alex, and not the first minister, not the leader of a country… but Alex.” Cunningham concluded, “And Moira will know Alex better than anybody else, except those in his family know him.” She added, “Only they will know just Alex. And they’re the ones who’ll be grieving most.” Gerard Burns, an artist, painted the former first minister’s portrait a decade ago and spent time with both Salmond and Moira. Burns remarked, “I was able to witness him switch from being first minister to be a man, a guy called Alex Salmond.” He also observed, “People might be surprised to hear this , but Alex was actually quite a quiet individual, and certainly seeing him with Moira, you got a much softer view of the man”. Both individuals provided their insights for a BBC documentary examining Salmond’s life and political career. Over the preceding weeks, extensive interviews were conducted with over twelve people, including those who documented his life, worked alongside him, and participated in campaigns both for and against him. The production of the film was expedited; typically, an hour-long program of this nature requires several months for completion. Nevertheless, the contributions from participants were considered and, at times, emotionally charged. Several interviewees were spoken to only days following Salmond’s unexpected passing in North Macedonia. A visibly emotional Gerard Burns initially stated, “Alex is a pal,” then corrected himself to say, “Alex was a pal.” Although a more private aspect of Salmond was rarely observed, he is predominantly remembered for his political accomplishments. Naturally, a documentary of this type necessitates searching through archives for footage of significant events from his extensive career. Reports from the day he assumed the role of first minister at Holyrood highlight the pride he felt in his father’s presence at the event. With his father seated in the public gallery with folded arms, the newly appointed First Minister informed MSPs, “My father’s never seen me in a parliamentary chamber before. Probably because he refused to set foot in the Palace of Westminster”. This particular moment offers insight into his close family ties and suggests the roots of his political ideology. Even his political adversaries, including former Chancellor George Osborne and former Labour First Minister Lord Jack McConnell, acknowledged his exceptional abilities within both the Westminster and Holyrood political spheres. Lord McConnell noted that the contemporary campaigning approach cultivated during Salmond’s leadership demonstrably influenced the elections in 2007 and 2011. However, some questioned if his aptitude for discerning political trends also encompassed self-awareness, particularly in his later years. Journalist Kenny Farquharson stated that Salmond possessed “an ability to shape politics to his own ends,” achieved either through “force of personality” or by simply being “better at politics” than his adversaries. A common point of agreement among many documentary contributors was Salmond’s enjoyment of engaging with people and his passion for debate. His Alba party colleague and friend, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, recounted, “He was interested in people. He wanted to know about people; what issues they were facing in their daily lives”. Roseanna Cunningham characterized campaigning alongside Salmond as an “astonishing experience,” observing that he would spend extensive periods “over people’s garden gates forever and a day.” This approach, according to them, significantly contributed to his electoral triumphs. Some interviewees expressed difficulty in reconciling Salmond’s successes with the events of more recent years. Salmond was found not guilty of sexual offences charges following his trial in 2020. Upon the announcement of his charges, former SNP MSP Eilidh Whiteford, who had previously worked for Salmond, expressed that she was “confused because I found it very hard to reconcile that with the the person I’d known for a long time and worked with, and thought I knew”. Libby Brooks, a Guardian journalist who reported on the trial, noted that during the presentation of evidence, “a pattern of behaviour emerged that most people would question in terms of appropriateness”. Elaine C Smith, an independence advocate and actor, campaigned with Salmond in 2014 and regarded him and his wife Moira as friends. She stated, “Am I upset, appalled that what came out in the court case was inappropriate behaviour when you’re in a position of power?” She continued, “From a feminist point of view, that’s unforgivable, of course it is.“Did I ever think he was guilty of gross criminal intent or conduct? I suppose I would’ve agreed with the jury in that.” Smith further commented, “We’re a sadder country without him. It’s just very sad…the tragedy of the last few years, and ending this way.” First Minister John Swinney, who was part of Salmond’s government, shared, “Obviously the events of recent years have been really difficult, and they’ve been really painful for lots and lots of people.” He reflected, “I think what I reflect is that I’ve experienced some really, really significant moments in my life, at the side of Alex Salmond.” Swinney added, “I can’t uninvent those moments; those moments are seminal moments in my life.” He concluded, “But I have to understand and appreciate the fact that in recent years things have been much more difficult.” Swinney also remarked that “lives are complex” and that “there are often contradictions in people”. His close associates and political peers assert that he ought to be commemorated for his significant political career. Kenny MacAskill, former SNP justice secretary and Alba colleague, maintained a long and steadfast friendship with Salmond. MacAskill stated, “Nobody has ever suggested that Alex was a saint, but he was certainly not a huge sinner who deserved to be stoned.” MacAskill continued, “The real legacy is that independence was taken from what was a side issue that was seen as something only for romantic dreamers…to something that is possible, that is in fact something desirable.” He emphasized, “The legacy is that independence is here on the agenda, and it is the duty of those of us staying, following on from Alex to deliver his dream.” The documentary titled “Alex Salmond The Man Who Changed Scotland” is scheduled to air on BBC One Scotland at 19:00 on Wednesday 30 October and will also be available on iPlayer. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.