Alex Salmond pictured in his political career over the years

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. 

READ MORE: SNP figures pay tribute to former leader Alex Salmond

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. 

Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Michael Russell" style="width: 100%;"> (L-R): John Swinney, Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Michael Russell (Image: Archive)

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

Neil Smith (left, Chairman of Scotland Forward), Alex Salmond (SNP leader), Donald Dewar (Scottish Secretary) and Menzies Campbell in Edinburgh today (Tuesday) for the launch of the YES campaign devolution countdown (Image: Archive) SNP leader Alex Salmond with Douglas Chapman, SNP candidate in the Dunfermline and West Fife by election at a press conference at the Forth Road Bridge (Image: Archive)

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

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon walk past a sign showing the date for the Scottish independence referendum outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. (Image: PA)

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

(Image: Getty) Salmond campaign for Yes during the 2014 referendum  (Image: Getty)

Alex Salmond arriving in London for the state opening of Parliament (Image: PA)(Image: PA)Alex Salmond spoke at the Hope Over Fear rally in George Square in Glasgow last month (Image: PA)