Patron: Moria Salmond
Investing in Scotland’s Future
The Alex Salmond Awards
Charity # SC055238
Alex Salmond
Alex Salmond was one of the foremost Scottish political figures of recent generations. He helped transform the modern SNP and led the party into government for the first time in its history, becoming First Minister of Scotland in 2007. His years in government left a lasting mark on Scotland, from social policy and education to major investment in the country's infrastructure.
But Alex's own beginnings were much more modest.
One of four children, he grew up in a council house in Linlithgow in a close-knit family. He went on to study economics and history at the University of St Andrews before building a successful career as an economist, specialising in energy and the North Sea oil industry.
His journey helped shape a belief he carried throughout his life: that talent and potential are not determined by wealth, background or circumstance.
Alex believed deeply in the abilities of Scotland's young people and in giving them the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Education had opened doors for him, and he wanted young Scots, whatever their circumstances, to have the chance to pursue their own ambitions and achieve their full potential.
The Alex Salmond Awards have been established both to remember his contribution to Scotland and to carry that belief forward.
We want to help young Scots, particularly those facing financial or other disadvantages, access opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach. That could mean supporting a young person to pursue higher education, develop a talent or take forward an ambition that could change the course of their life.
It is about giving someone a chance.
A chance to learn.
A chance to develop.
A chance to succeed.
A chance to discover just how far their potential can take them.
Alex wanted Scotland to walk tall. We want young Scots to have that same confidence in themselves and in what they can achieve.
In his memory.
For their Future and For a Better and Fairer Scotland
The Alex Salmond Awards will celebrate his life not simply by looking back at what he achieved, but by giving the next generation of young Scots the opportunity, support and belief to fulfil their own potential.
Our Purpose
The Alex Salmond Awards have been established to support and encourage young people who have the talent, determination and potential to achieve more, but who may not always have had the same opportunities or support available to others.
We believe that ability and ambition can be found everywhere. Opportunity cannot.
For some young people, financial circumstances, family background, where they live or other barriers can make it more difficult to pursue an ambition, develop a talent or take that important next step.
The Alex Salmond Awards aim to help bridge that gap.
Who are the Awards for?
The Awards will be aimed at young people who can demonstrate potential, commitment and a genuine desire to progress, but for whom additional support could make a meaningful difference.
We particularly want the Awards to be accessible to young people who may not traditionally put themselves forward for opportunities like this, or who may feel that their circumstances put certain ambitions beyond their reach.
This is not about defining young people by disadvantage.
It is about recognising potential and helping to create the opportunity for that potential to flourish.
What will the Awards support?
As the project develops, the Alex Salmond Awards will provide support designed to help individuals pursue opportunities, develop their abilities and take practical steps towards their ambitions.
Further information about the Awards, eligibility, the application process and the support available will be published here.
About the project
The Alex Salmond Awards have been established by people who knew Alex well throughout his life and who have come together with a shared purpose: to preserve his memory in a way that reflects the values he held and to carry forward part of his vision for Scotland’s young people.
The Awards will create opportunities for young Scots, particularly those who may face financial or other barriers, to develop their talents, pursue their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
The project has been established as a Scottish charity and is registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), the independent regulator and registrar of charities in Scotland.
This is a fitting way to remember a man who gave so much to Scotland over his life. It's a legacy which he would appreciate and is symbolic of what he sought to deliver for young people in Scotland when in political office. His achievements from humble beginnings show what those given an opportunity can achieve. But its getting harder than ever for young folk especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Help us keep his memory alive by helping others achieve what he sought for Scotland.
Recognising potential | Creating opportunity
EST. 2024
A Son of Scotland
Meet the Trustees
The charity has been established by friends and colleagues of Alex. Some were at school with him and remained lifelong friends. Some shared his political journey and others worked with or for him over the years.
All hold him in the highest esteem and have come together to seek to preserve his memory and provide a fitting legacy.
None of our Trustees receive any remuneration for their role, ensuring that all funds raised go directly towards creating opportunities and supporting the young people the Awards were established to help.
Allan MacAskill
Living in Linlithgow I went to school with Alex. I first met him in the debating society at Linlithgow Academy. After University I worked in the energy industry. First in the oil business in UK, and internationally and laterly in renewables. I maintained a relationship with Alex because of our mutual interest in energy. While managing the Beatrice oil field 2000’s I installed 2 turbines to provide power to the field. Thereafter I gradually transitioned to renewables and established 3 companies to develop offshore wind. My last meeting with Alex was on a trip to Kincardine in 2023. It is the world’s largest grid connected floating offshore wind farm, located just 30 km from Aberdeen
James Morrison
Grew up and went to school with Alex remaining a lifelong friend. A lawyer in private practice he's now retired and lives in West Lothian.
Daniel Jack
Daniel Jack is a retired public servant and diplomat who supported Alex in a number of roles during his time as First Minister. He firmly believes in the power of education to transform lives and that the Alex Salmond Awards will help open doors to so many young people.
Kenny MacAskill
Kenny MacAskill grew up in Linlithgow along with Alex Salmond . A lawyer in Edinburgh he shared Alex's political journey serving as Justice Secretary in both his administrations. Now retired from politics he is a writer.
Eilidh Whiteford
Eilidh met Alex in 1986 when she was a pupil at Banff Academy and he was the newly selected SNP candidate for Banff and Buchan. She succeeded Alex as MP for the seat in 2010, serving alongside him in the House of Commons from 2015 to 2017. Eilidh now works mostly in public affairs, but nurtures a side-hustle in Scottish literature.
Get in Touch
info@alexsalmondawards.scot
Alex Salmond Awards © 2026