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...
1. Early Days
Alex Salmond, as SNP MP for Banff and Buchan, outside the Palace of Westminster in March 1988 after being removed from the Commons for calling Chancellor Nigel Lawson's Budget speech 'an obscenity.' Photo: PA
2. 'Impeach Blair'
Then an MP for Banff and Buchan, Alex Salmond holds a report to the media in November 2004 ahead of a parliamentary motion against Prime Minister Tony Bair for gross misconduct over the Iraq war. Pic: Graeme Robertson/Getty Images. Photo: Graeme Robertson
3. SNP Victory
Following his leadership comeback, on a joint ticket with deputy Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond led the SNP to what was then seen as its greatest hour - victory at the 2007 Scottish election and delivery of a minority SNP government. Pic: David Cheskin/PA Wire. Photo: David Cheskin
4. Tartan Day New York
Alex Salmond at a tartan day parade in New York in 2008. Picture: Jon Simon/PA Wire Photo: Jon Simon