Standing ovation around house as Alex Salmond steps down

Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond stepped down from office yesterday, describing his seven years in charge of Scotland's government as "the privilege" of his life.

Mr Salmond, who received a standing ovation from political supporters and enemies in the Holyrood parliament, will be replaced today by his long- time deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.

Saying that “parting is tinged with some sorrow”, he added “it is vastly outweighed by a sense of optimism and confidence” following September’s independence referendum.

Changed utterly

“

Scotland

has changed, changed utterly and much for the better over the 15 years of this parliament and over the seven years of this government,” said Mr Salmond, who is now expected to run in next year’s House of Commons elections.

“I am happy to say that with every degree of certainty that more change and better days lie ahead for this parliament and for Scotland,” he said, adding that Scottish voters were “the most energised” of any in Europe.

Ms Sturgeon will be formally elected as first minister during a Holyrood vote today, though she will not formally take up her new position until she is sworn in at the court of session in Edinburgh tomorrow.

Most energised

He added: “Scotland now has the most energised, empowered and informed electorate of any country in Europe. We have a new generation of citizens who understand that their opinion matters, who believe that their voice will be heard and who know that their vote can shape the society they live in.”

Mr Salmond reflected on the Scottish National Party’s experience of minority government between 2007 and 2011 – a chapter that was followed by a Holyrood majority in the 2011 elections.

“Minority government requires negotiation, to recognise honest disagreement, and then compromise in the public interest,” he said, adding the House of Commons may find itself facing that experience after next May’s elections

Putting aside political differences, Labour's Jackie Baillie said she recognised Mr Salmond's commitment to the Scottish parliament and to public service, saying he has been "a towering figure in Scottish politics".