Alex Salmond was born in 1954 in Linlithgow. His working career began in 1978 as an Assistant Economist in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. He joined the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1980 as an Oil Economist, where he served until 1987. Mr Salmond's career as a parliamentarian began when he was elected MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987, a seat he will hold until the next General Election. He was the SNP National Convener (leader) from 1990 until stepping down 2000. In the election to the first Scottish Parliament in 1999, Mr Salmond was elected MSP for Banff and Buchan. In 2004, he stood and was re-elected as SNP National Convener, announcing that he was seeking the office of First Minister of Scotland. Mr Salmond was elected the MSP for Gordon in 2007, and became First Minister when the SNP gained the most seats in the Scottish Parliament. His interests outside politics are horse-racing, golf and football.

View the video of Alex Salmond's lecture on You tube