Salmond Bows Out As SNP Leader

Alex Salmond will formally step down as Leader of the Scottish National Party today.

He's been in charge of the party for ten years - his second stint at the top after previously holding the post from 1990 - 2000.

Mr Salmond, who will stay on as MSP for Aberdeenshire East, announced his intention to resign the day after the independence referendum - in which 55% voted to stay in the UK.

In his final keynote speech at the SNP Conference in Perth this afternoon, he's expected to say despite losing the vote, Scotland "won a great deal".

He'll tell delegates: “When the history of Scottish independence is written, be in no doubt that the 18th September 2014 will be remembered as the most significant breakthrough in Scottish political history.

“Why? Because despite everything that the Westminster establishment threw at Scotland, 45% of the people – 1.6 million women and men living and working in Scotland – chose hope over fear. A much higher number than our opponents ever thought possible when we started this campaign.”

Since the vote, the SNP's become one of the biggest political parties in the UK, with membership approaching 100,000.

Mr Salmond will tell delegates: “Let us set ourselves a target. Our party had tripled in size but it can grow further yet by reaching out further to the people.

“Let us ensure that by next May’s election the SNP reaches something which has never been done in Scottish politics – 100,000 members representing the national cause.”

Current Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon has been elected unopposed to replace Mr Salmond.

Her victory will be officially confirmed this morning, when the results of the deputy leadership election are also announced.

Mr Salmond will formally step down as First Minister on Tuesday.

Ms Sturgeon is expected to be elected by MSPs to replace him, and will be sworn in at the Court of Session on Thursday.

Ahead of the changeover, Mr Salmond spoke to Kingdom FM News about his hopes for Scotland's future: