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

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.

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.

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.

Alongside fellow MPs John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon, he launched the party's manifesto for the first Scottish Parliament election in 1999.

After eight years in opposition, Salmond and his wife Moira were all smiles after he was officially elected as first minister.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Salmond attend the state opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, shortly after he was elected first minister.

During a conference at Edinburgh Napier University in 2007 he set out the SNP's plans for a referendum on independence.

He announced a referendum consultation to the Scottish Parliament in 2011, before holding a press conference at Edinburgh Castle.

It was a year later in 2012 that he signed a historic referendum agreement with then Prime Minister David Cameron.

The date for the referdum was set for 18 September 2014, and Salmond and his SNP colleagues headed out on the Yes campaign trail.

There was plenty of fun on the trail as the first minister made the case for an independent Scotland.

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.

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.

As the party's new leader, Sturgeon remained close with Salmond as he joined her to campaign during the 2015 general election.

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.

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.

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.