Alex Salmond normalised concept of Scottish independence as he led SNP to power

Former first minister established party as a political force but questions later emerged about influence he wielded

• Tributes paid to Alex Salmond’s ‘colossal contribution’ to Scottish and UK politics

Alex Salmond cemented his place in British political history in May 2011 when he and the Scottish National party did something extraordinary.

They won an overall majority at Holyrood, under a proportional system designed to promote coalitions, not one party’s domination. By winning 69 of Holyrood’s 129 seats, the result delivered two things that defined his legacy.