Who / What
Alba Party (Scottish Gaelic: *Pàrtaidh Alba*) is a Scottish nationalist and pro‑independence political party in Scotland.
Founded in February 2021, it was led by former First Minister Alex Salmond until his death in 2024.
Background & History
The party was established in February 2021 by Alex Salmond, who had previously served as the First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP.
Salmond launched Alba’s 2021 Scottish Parliament election campaign in March 2021, guiding the party’s strategy into the electoral arena.
Alba contested the election only with regional list candidates, deliberately choosing not to field any constituency candidates.
Since its inception, Alba has maintained a clear pro‑independence stance, positioning itself as an alternative to the SNP.
Why Notable
Alba Party is noteworthy for being founded by a high‑profile political figure, Alex Salmond, which drew considerable media attention at its launch.
It represents a significant split within the Scottish nationalist movement, offering a distinct voice for those dissatisfied with the SNP’s approach.
By contesting solely regional list seats, Alba has tested the viability of a new political entrant under Scotland’s proportional representation system.
Despite limited electoral success, the party remains a visible symbol of ongoing support for Scottish independence.
In the News
The party’s relevance has surged following Alex Salmond’s death in 2024, prompting discussions about its future leadership and direction.
Recent developments include talks of new leadership candidates and strategies aimed at broadening Alba’s appeal beyond traditional nationalist constituencies.
The continuing independence debate in Scotland keeps the Alba Party in the public eye as a key pro‑independence advocate.
