Alex Salmond pictured throughout his political career

THE former first minister and leader of the SNP, Alex Salmond, has died - leaving behind a legacy in Scottish politics. 

Salmond was the leader of the SNP twice during his political career, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014, after joining the party in 1973.

He is largely credited for helping take the SNP from a fringe party into the mainstream as he led them into power by winning the Scottish Parliament election in 2007.

The SNP then won a majority in the election four years later which helped pave the way for the referendum on Scottish independence. 

During that time Salmond served as the first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and helped lead the Yes movement in the 2014 independence referendum.

Here is a look back at some of his life in politics. 

(Image: Archive) (Image: PA) Salmond during some of the earlier days with the SNP before it became a major political party. 

(Image: PA) Salmond struck a deal with the then prime minister David Cameron to hold a referendum on Scotland's independence. 

(Image: PA) Nicola Sturgeon enjoying a cup of tea with Salmond while on the General Election campaign trail in Inverurie in the Gordon constituency.

(Image: PA) Salmond pouring a glass of Irn Bru at Sloans, in Glasgow, after the Alba Party launched their General Election campaign.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty) Salmond campaigning for the Yes movement during the Scottish independence referendum. 

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)