Alex Salmond

The foundation of Scotlands success - our great intellectual, social and economic flourishing - was our commitment to education. To free education for all.We seek to build an education system that is open to all. A system that will not just benefit our economy - but will help to strengthen Scotlands entire civic and intellectual life. That is why we place such strong emphasis on ethics and values.

— Alex Salmond life

In Scotland you were allowed to starve but had to learn to read and write. Whereas in England the poor house provided an alternative to starvation, but education was only for the privileged few. This country has been a learning nation - first, last and always.

— Alex Salmond education

Through religious education, our young people also learn respect for and an understanding of other beliefs and how to make a positive difference to themselves and the world by putting their beliefs and values into action.

— Alex Salmond education

When we consider the ideals - the values - that we should foster in Scotlands young people, we can think of the words inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament. Words that help describe the values for our whole democracy: justice, wisdom, integrity and compassion. Values that are - and have always been - at the heart of Catholic education in Scotland.

— Alex Salmond wisdom

It is time to celebrate diversity and distinctiveness. And to openly welcome the contribution that faith based education can make to Scottish education.

— Alex Salmond faith

Make no mistake - Scotland has already changed. And Scotland is continuing to grow and develop as a nation and a society. Last May, the people of Scotland sent out a clear message. They did not just vote for a change of government. They voted for a change in governance. A stronger, more effective, more democratic Scotland. And they expressed their hunger for a higher level of ambition - in our government and in ourselves. In the country we seek to build. And in our image and standing abroad. These are profound and permanent changes.

— Alex Salmond change

We have strong economic relationships with the rest of the UK. With our EU partners. And with large and small nations across the world. And I would contend that the basis of that framework is not Scotlands relationship with the other nations of the UK - strong and enduring though that will be. Rather, the reality is that our fundamental economic role is as a member of the worlds largest single market - the European Union. And it is this relationship which does most to shape the rules and the terms of our global commercial ties. Nonetheless it remains for many an article of faith that a positive future for Scotlands economy depends squarely on our continuing membership of the United Kingdom.I for one was not convinced!

— Alex Salmond faith

I believe that we must look outwards, not inwards, to test our true economic potential - measuring ourselves against our international competitors.

— Alex Salmond war

Like any internationalist, I embrace Scotlands interdependence and the advantages that such interdependence confers. But in international relations - perhaps even more than the economic sphere - there are major advantages to pursuing an independent policy that promotes Scotlands global interests. Indeed it precisely because we live in an interdependent world - one where markets are integrating and information flow is unstoppable - a world where the reality of climate change acts as a daily reminder of our reliance on each other - that independence matters. Interdependence is a welcome fact of modern global politics. What matters in the Scottish national interest - above all else - are the terms on which Scotland engages. The equality of esteem, of authority between nations matters more now than it has ever done.

— Alex Salmond politics

The choice for Scotland is quite clear. We can choose to remain a bit part player - unable to advance our interests and influence the international agenda other than through the United Kingdom. Alternatively, as in independent country, we can actively seek responsibility - eager for the opportunity to help shape the great global debates.

— Alex Salmond art

I want Scotland to be a leader in international conflict resolution. I want to build on the tremendous sense of goodwill towards our nation across the globe. Real leadership is not just about winning conflict - it is about having a strategy to defuse it. Resolution of conflict is harder, more subtle, more difficult.

— Alex Salmond war

I have always had a special regard for the General Assembly and its members. This is the place - and you are the people - that do so much to give expression to the heart of Scotland.

— Alex Salmond art

Our churches are here to provide comfort and to offer hope as they always do in moments of extremity.

— Alex Salmond hope

When our society is tested - we depend on the strength of the institutions which sustain that society - our churches, trade unions, charities, our universities and colleges, our legal system. And, of course, our political institutions, which should be a source of hope, a source of purpose.

— Alex Salmond hope

As we look again to rebuild a rich country, we must make sure this time round we also build a rich society - a society where the measure of wealth is not only the money in our pockets but the wellbeing of our communities.

— Alex Salmond time

People naturally aspire to the symbols and the ideals of our nation. Yet whether it is a political party, a church, a charity - any institution built by man can fail and can fall. The key thing is to aspire to be better. And, for our political institutions, to understand that self sacrifice - just like forgiveness - is at the centre of the order of things.

— Alex Salmond art

There is a need to renew our economic institutions and the principles which guide them. Parts of the financial sector, we now know, were run on a false prospectus. With the rewards to some individuals completely divorced from basic ideas of fairness, or service. And, as it transpires, sadly those rewards were also divorced from any reasonable notion of lasting value. That could not be sustained. And it was not sustained.

— Alex Salmond war

It is easier for us to talk of sacrifice and of change than it is to achieve them. Both can be difficult, sometimes painful. But we have guidance on this new path. We have ourselves, we have each other.

— Alex Salmond time

Our courage and our resolve will be tested. And so too will our imagination. Because our world is changing. And if we are prepared to imagine and to shape it in new ways, we will find ourselves stronger, more free - a better, closer community.

— Alex Salmond courage

Without the church there would be no Scotland - and something important, precious and distinctive would have been lost to the world.

— Alex Salmond world

Let no-one mistake. This Church, and other faith groups, have the ability to be agents for change and change for the better.You have worked to promote understanding among faiths. To tackle sectarianism. To promote development worldwide.And let me say that for our Parliament, that is something that may not yet be formally our responsibility. But it is, in reality, our obligation.In ancient times it was said that Sparta had no city walls. It did not need them, the people were the walls of Sparta. This church and our other institutions - spiritual and secular are the walls of Scotland - the rocks on which reform and renewal will be built.We will continue to draw on this Church as a source of wisdom. A source of strength. A source of hope.

— Alex Salmond wisdom

There is nothing wrong with Scotland that cannot be fixed by what is right with Scotland.Paraphrase of Bill Clintons There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.

— Alex Salmond america

Paraphrase of Bill Clintons There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.

— Alex Salmond america

Playfair Lecture on 40th Anniversary of Europa Institute, Playfair Library, Edinburgh University transcript

— Alex Salmond library

Dave Mackay was the kind of footballer that legends are built around. He was simply the greatest - tough as teak on the pitch and a real gentleman off it.

— Alex Salmond man

For me as leader my time is nearly over but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream will never die,

— Alex Salmond time

We intend to lead a government of purpose and direction so that we can offer the people of this nation the opportunity to move forward to independence, democracy and equality.

— Alex Salmond war

The rocks will melt with the sun before tuition fees are introduced in Scotland.

— Alex Salmond will

Our internationalism is the driver of our nationalism.

— Alex Salmond

We are Scotlands independence generation. And our time is now

— Alex Salmond time

It is a war built on lies that has fanned the flames of international terrorism

— Alex Salmond war

The prime minister has just fallen off the high wire.

— Alex Salmond fall

The prime minister has just fallen off the high wire. He is a victim of his own arrogance. He may well be on the way out of office.

— Alex Salmond arrogance

This winning habit will stand the party in good stead as we build towards winning the 20 first-past-the-post seats we need to win the Scottish election in 2007

— Alex Salmond war

To get behind what looks like a monumental political cover-up demands a public inquiry.

— Alex Salmond men

Weve gone from a small parliamentary party now to being a large one.

— Alex Salmond art

It had 1,000 years as an independent nation before the union,

— Alex Salmond end

Nations are nations if they feel themselves to be a nation. And Scotland overwhelmingly feels itself to be a nation,

— Alex Salmond self

On the streets of Livingston people have been asking why the chancellor has failed to do his part to limit the rapid rise in petrol and diesel costs,

— Alex Salmond art

It is true that Sean had a successful procedure carried out some weeks ago. But hes now fighting fit and raring to go.

— Alex Salmond success

It is true that Sean had a successful procedure carried out some weeks ago but hes now fighting fit and raring to go.

— Alex Salmond success

It was an underwhelming performance from a man with an eye on his own exit strategy, even if he stubbornly refuses to find one for our soldiers in Iraq.

— Alex Salmond man

The current debates demand a re-examination of Scotlands political position,

— Alex Salmond man

Their whole by-election plan is in tatters, which is no surprise because everything Mr McConnell puts his fingers on usually collapses or turns to dust.

— Alex Salmond

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