And today, former First Minister Alex Salmond was cleared of sexually assaulting nine women. A jury found the former SNP leader not guilty on 12 of the sexual assault charges facing him, while another was found not proven. Here, we take a look back at his career in pictures...
5. Holyrood Opening
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of the third Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh in 2007. The Queen watches the procession walk past along with then First Minister Alex Salmond. Photo: Robert Perry
6. Criticism
The newly appointed First Minister, who returned to Holyrood by winning the Gordon Seat, soon had many brushes with the UK Government over the release of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was released by the Scottish Government on compassionate grounds for his terminal illness. Photo: Robert Perry
7. Working with Westminster
But the Glasgow Airport terror attack and the foot and mouth crisis showed his willingness to work with Westminster on big issues. Photo: Robert Perry
8. Free Prescriptions
Policies like freezing council tax, scrapping bridge tolls and prescription charges were popular with voters but critics questioned whether universal benefits were affordable. Photo: Robert Perry