PEOPLE watching Alex Salmond's evidence to the Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government's mishandling of complaints against him have been giving their views on his performance.

Leading journalists were impressed with the former First Minister's answers, but among Yes supporters and SNP members and politicians opinion was more divided.

Lesley Riddoch, the The National's columnist and independence activist, gave the following assessment of Salmond's opening statement: "Alex Salmond makes powerful opening statement at Holyrood Inquiry. Says there’s no evidence Scottish democracy is rotten. Problem in every department is the leadership not the foot soldiers. Suggests after this event he will walk away and let others consider their positions," she wrote on Twitter.

READ MORE: Alex Salmond gives evidence under oath to Scottish Parliament committee

Riddoch later added: "Alex Cole Hamilton stopped from repeated aggressive personal questioning of Alex Salmond by Holyrood Inquiry chair. Only serves to contrast with Salmond’s calm demeanour."

Ayesha Hazarika, a former Labour adviser, who is now a broadcaster and political columnist, wrote: "The courtroom scene in A Few Good Men this is not... also shows what an accomplished, confident & crucially unafraid a performer Salmond is - particularly today."

Broadcaster Andrew Neil observed: "Salmond challenges Inquiry: is there anybody who thinks the censored bits of my evidence compromises the anonymity of the complainants? Whooosh."

Many indepdendence supporters had a positive view too.

Morgwn C Davies tweeted: "My respect for him has soared considerable this afternoon Under constant stress and pressure for over 3 years to be able to patiently answer some stupid, idiotic questions in such a polite manner, tone is remarkable. A masterclass in giving evidence."

Andrew Mackinnon: "My impression is AlexSalmond  is making a good job of this. Storytelling on how Scottish government foot dragging on documents inflated legal costs feels like jury-swaying stuff. “I know a wee bit about Scots law.” Tone, look, demeanour, event accent .. all perfectly calibrated."

But others did not, with some SNP activists tweeting pictures of themselves with Nicola Sturgeon to show the First Minister their support.

Rob McDowall tweeted: "We had a guy who was to blow the doors off. The lion was to roar. Scotland was to be enlightened. All we've had so far is an audio book version of his written statements and a qualified statement at the start."

The National:

Gavin Williamson wrote: "Two hours into this committee and its like groundhog day, round and round, very little light (if any) not even much smoke. Not sure this has helped the committee in their task. It certainly has not been the slam dunk for Salmond."

Southside girl tweeted: "I've found it a very useful and interesting lesson in HR policy development. So that's been good."

Brendan O'Hara MP: "Please be in no doubt as to be where my loyalties lie. #IStandWithNicola."

Party activist Valentina Servera Clavell wrote: "I joined the SNP for many reasons, one of them was because of how much I admire Nicola’s leadership. It is obvious how much she has done when we see how much Scotland has moved forward. I have not been in this movement since the beginning but #IStandWithNicola till the end."