Alex Salmond Awards

Aim

Helping young Scots overcome financial and other barriers to access education, develop their talents and fulfil their potential.

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.

www.alexsalmondawards.scot

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 16th January 2027 at 4:28pm