Alex Salmond is arrested and will appear in court today

Alex Salmond and his wife Moira in 2015

The feisty politician, who hosts a weekly political chat show on Russia television channel RT, has been the face of Scottish nationalism for decades.

In 1990 he took over leadership of the SNP, steering the party towards the political centre just as Britain’s New Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair was promising greater devolution to the home nations.

In the first elections for the devolved Scottish parliament in 1999, the SNP lost out to Labour and Salmond quit as leader.

He said his decision was ‘forever’, but he was re-elected in 2004 saying: ‘I changed my mind.’

In 2007, Salmond became the first SNP first minister, leading a minority government for four years before sweeping to a majority victory in 2011.

That win paved the way for the 2014 independence referendum, which he spearheaded in typically ebullient fashion, urging Scots to ‘break the shackles’ of the 307-year-old union with England.

Salmond with his successor Nicola Sturgeon in Perth, Scotland, in October 2013

Salmond with his successor Nicola Sturgeon in Perth, Scotland, in October 2013

But after 55 percent voted to stay part of the United Kingdom, Salmond stepped down as first minister and party leader – vowing that the dream of more power for Scotland would nonetheless live on.

‘For me as leader, my time is nearly over. But for Scotland, the campaign continues and the dream shall never die,’ he said at the time.

Following the emergence of the harassment allegations last August, Salmond resigned from the SNP. He has said that he intends to apply to rejoin once he has cleared his name.

Salmond’s charisma has proved hugely effective through his career, particularly in the long campaign for independence.

But it also disguised what aides called an ‘explosive temper’ and a talent for the scathing political put-down.

Queen Elizabeth II meets Salmond at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in May 2007

Queen Elizabeth II meets Salmond at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in May 2007

His supporters praise his unflagging determination and his political know-how, while his opponents brand him arrogant and misogynistic with a penchant for populism.

Many on both sides agree that he is one of the most talented politicians of his generation.

Sociable in public, Salmond is discreet about his private life. His wife Moira is 17 years older than he is and is only rarely seen by his side. The couple have no children.

His passions are horse racing, good wine and curry, along with football and that Scottish invention – golf.

Salmond also likes a good singalong. His favourite tune is ‘Scots Wha Hae’ – an ode to an epic victory against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn 700 years ago. 

By Agence France-Presse reporters

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