The Trial Of Alex Salmond

In this one-hour programme for BBC Two, Kirsty Wark examines Alex Salmond’s trial and the accounts from his supporters, colleagues, accusers and critics.

In March 2020, as the world was heading into lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, another major story was dominating headlines across the UK: Alex Salmond, former Scottish First Minister, was acquitted of all charges in a sexual assault case considered to be Britain’s first 'Me Too' trial.

In this one-hour programme for BBC Two, Kirsty Wark examines Alex Salmond’s trial and the accounts from his supporters, colleagues, accusers and critics.

A giant of Holyrood, Salmond was the Scottish National Party’s dominant force who promised to lead the party to Independence. When news broke in August 2018 that he was suing the Scottish Government for its handling of sexual misconduct claims against him, it sent shockwaves through the party, and became a source of significant tension with Nicola Sturgeon, his successor as SNP leader and First Minister.

He won the inquiry against the Scottish government in January 2019, but a criminal court case followed, which heightened strains with Sturgeon as she came under intense scrutiny for her response - or lack thereof - to the allegations.

Salmond’s allies talk of a conspiracy, saying the accusations were nothing more than a political smear campaign fabricated by those close to Nicola Sturgeon to bring him down.

Some of his alleged victims speak for the first time, anonymously, to share detailed accounts of what the trial was like for them, as they gave personal testimonies and underwent intense cross-examinations. They reflect on how they felt when Salmond was ultimately acquitted.

Hearing from insiders who watched the story unfold, Kirsty Wark asks: what are the repercussions of Alex Salmond’s trial, and what impact will it have on the SNP, and Scotland’s political future?

Publicity contact: NM2