In 2000, Salmond made the surprise decision to quit and stand down as both leader and MSP.
He returned to Westminster, a move which underlined a common criticism that the man calling for Scotland’s “freedom” was more at home in London.
But he was also in demand as an acute critic of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the close personal and political relationship between UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush.
Salmond was one of 11 MPs who attempted unsuccessfully to impeach Mr Blair. His actions, as well as his presence on marches and speeches at protests, made him a leading figure in the anti-war movement and won him many admirers.
But his absence from Edinburgh during this period was not good for his party.
John Swinney had succeeded him as leader, but stood down in 2004 following a string of dismal election results, criticism from across his party and the negative publicity of a leadership challenge.
As that summer progressed, there were persistent rumours that Salmond was considering a return.
He responded by borrowing a line from General William Sherman, who, on being asked to run for president following the American Civil War, declared: “If nominated, I’ll decline. If drafted, I’ll defer. And if elected, I’ll resign.”
Always partial to a dramatic flourish, Salmond announced he had changed his mind just before nominations closed, having cut a deal with candidate Nicola Sturgeon which saw her agree to be his number two.
He told journalists he was not just launching a campaign to be SNP leader, but his “candidacy to be first minister of Scotland”.
He promised to unite what had become a fractious Scottish parliamentary party, and focus on winning the 2007 election.
And that he did, by the narrowest of margins. He formed a minority government and relied on Green and Conservative support to get his manifesto through one vote at a time.
For the more radical elements of his party, this might have been seen as sleeping with the enemy. But Salmond recognised working across the chamber was both necessary and desirable.
