**Police Take No Action Over Alex Salmond Complaint**
Police Scotland has announced they will not pursue further action regarding a historical sexual assault allegation against Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland. This announcement comes shortly after a complaint was registered last year, following Salmond’s death at the age of 69. Salmond, who founded the Alba Party and previously served as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), made headlines with his controversial political career and various legal issues surrounding his conduct.
In March 2020, Salmond was acquitted of 13 sexual offence charges, which included attempted rape, after a two-week trial held at the High Court in Edinburgh. His acquittal was notable, but it did not completely shield him from further legal troubles. Salmond passed away from a heart attack in October 2024 while attending a conference in North Macedonia, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with both political achievements and serious allegations.
Following the police statement, it was revealed that Salmond’s family intends to continue legal action against the Scottish government. This action arises from their dissatisfaction with how harassment complaints against him were managed. In November, Police Scotland confirmed it had received a report of a “non-recent sexual assault” and later established that no further steps would be taken in the matter after completing their investigation.
The legal controversy surrounding Salmond did not begin with this latest allegation. In 2019, he successfully sued the Scottish government for their mishandling of harassment complaints against him, which was deemed “tainted with apparent bias.” Salmond was awarded £500,000 in costs from this case but was reportedly pursuing £3 million in damages and loss of earnings related to the ongoing dispute at the time of his death. Following the news of his passing, the Alba Party stated that his family would be continuing these legal efforts.
As noted by a Scottish government spokesperson, it would be inappropriate to comment on active legal proceedings, thereby keeping the details of ongoing disputes under wraps. Amidst these unfolding events, it is crucial to acknowledge Salmond’s turbulent history. His time as First Minister was marked by profound political maneuvering, as well as allegations of misconduct brought forth by women including politicians and party workers, dating back to his tenure in office.
Salmond stepped down from his leadership roles in both the SNP and the Scottish government in 2014. He later founded the Alba Party in 2021 to continue advocating for Scottish independence. His later years were overshadowed by allegations of sexual misconduct, which he consistently denied. During his court appearances, he suggested that certain claims were politically motivated fabrications or exaggerated truths. Notably, he mentioned a “sleepy cuddle” incident with one of the accusers at his official residence while denying any wrongdoing.
The Holyrood inquiry into the government’s handling of the allegations led to mixed outcomes. While it was determined that Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond’s successor, misled Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) regarding a meeting with Salmond, she was ultimately cleared of violating the ministerial code. Salmond himself asserted that many within his former party conspired against him to hinder his political resurrection.
In response to the ongoing narrative surrounding Salmond, Kenny MacAskill, the leader of the Alba Party, stated that the legal outcomes of both Salmond’s civil case and subsequent criminal trial must not be disregarded or minimized. As the story continues to develop, it encapsulates the complexities of Salmond’s character—his significant contributions to the political landscape of Scotland, juxtaposed with the profound controversies of his personal life.
In summary, the police decision not to take further action delights some supporters while troubling others, especially victims of past grievances. The ongoing legal contest between Salmond’s family and the Scottish government generates renewed scrutiny regarding the treatment of historical allegations within the political realm. Salmond’s legacy remains multifaceted—one that is marked by triumph, controversy, and now, a continued pursuit for justice from beyond the grave.
