Alex Salmond

HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 18: Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond arrives at the Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of ‘Brave’ at Dolby Theatre on June 18, 2012 in Hollywood, California. Photo Works/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond

Place of Birth: Linlithgow, Scotland

Date of Birth: 31 December, 1954

Ethnicity: Scottish, as well as some English

Alex Salmond is a Scottish politician, economist, and television host. A prominent Scottish nationalist, he has been First Minister of Scotland, from 17 May, 2007 to 18 November, 2014, Leader of the Scottish National Party, from 22 September, 1990 to 26 September, 2000, and again, from 3 September, 2004 to 14 November, 2014; and now Leader of the Alba Party, since 26 March, 2021. He has been a Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan, from 12 June, 1987 to 12 April, 2010, and for Gordon, from 8 May, 2015 to 3 May, 2017; and a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Banff and Buchan, from 6 May, 1999 to 7 June, 2001, and for Gordon/Aberdeenshire East, from 3 May, 2007 to 24 March, 2016. His Scottish government abolished university tuition fees and prescription charges, and committed to renewable energy; as well as called and promoted the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. He has hosted the show Scotland Speaks with Alex Salmond since 2023. He previously hosted The Alex Salmond Show from 2017 to 2022.

Alex is the son of Mary Stewart, a civil servant, and Robert Fyfe Findlay Salmond, a civil servant, electrician, and WWII veteran. His family has lived in Linlithgow since the 1700s. His middle names, Elliot Anderson, are after The Rev. Gilbert Elliot Anderson, of the local Church of Scotland. Alex worked with the Scottish Office and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Alex is married to civil servant Moira McGlashan. He is a member of the Church of Scotland.

Alex’s paternal grandfather was Alexander Salmond (the son of Robert Dobie Salmond and Margaret Elms). Alexander was born in Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland. Robert was the son of Alexander Salmond and Helen Dobbie. Margaret was the daughter of Henry Elms, who was English, and of Margaret Duncan, whose mother was English.

Alex’s paternal grandmother was Abigial Funnel Ireland Downie (the daughter of Alexander Downie and Abigail Ireland). Alex’s grandmother Abigail was born in Linlithgow. Alexander was the son of William Downie. Alex’s great-grandmother Abigail was the daughter of Andrew Ireland, who was from Brighton, Sussex, England; and of Agnes Brash.

Alex’s maternal grandfather was William Milne (the son of William Milne and Mary Anne Smith). Alex’s grandfather William was born in Tannadice, Angus, Scotland.

Alex’s maternal grandmother was Margaret Hamilton (the daughter of James Hamilton and Isabella Sproat). Margaret was born in Anwoth, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. James was the son of Hugh Hamilton and Mary Craig. Isabella was the daughter of Alexander Sproat and Jane Carson.

Sources: Family history of Alex Salmond – https://www.scottishroots.com

Genealogy of Alex Salmond (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com