Biography

December 31, 1954 · Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland, UK

October 12, 2024 · Ohrid, North Macedonia (heart attack)

Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond

1.73 m

Salmond was a politician whose charismatic leadership is often credited with making Scottish nationalism a major force in British politics during his career.

Can we just remember that Marks out of Marks and Spencer was a refugee? Mohamed Farah was a refugee. Freddie Mercury was a refugee who came to this country. All made huge contributions. Jesus Christ was a refugee from Palestine to Egypt. These people are not just a problem, they are a potential opportunity for the countries which give them a safe haven.

[on David Bowie's comments on Scottish independence] I'm sure the whole chamber will want to join me in congratulating Eve Muirhead in winning the bronze medal in the Winter Olympics. Perhaps that's a demonstration that we all can be heroes, just for one day.

I have never answered the question of whether I have smoked cannabis and I don't intend to now. There are good reasons for not saying. If you say "yes" people claim you're encouraging and supporting it and if you say "no" it looks like you're a prick. So basically my answer is it's none of your business, but as far as Ann Widdecombe is concerned: I don't agree with her policy. I think she's a very foolish lady.

[After being asked by LBC presenter Iain Dale if he had experimented with drugs while studying economics and medieval history at St Andrews University] I didn't exhale. I think there's lots of dabblers, including yourself Iain. [Dale replied that he had never taken drugs] For goodness sake, what a life you've led. Until Iain Dale got on the radio he did nothing at all exciting, folks.

I'll hypothecate on success, Jeremy, so let's hypothecate on us in Government.