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Who were the first ministers of Scotland?	Who were the first ministers of Scotland?
2012-11-06 03:20:16 UTC	2012-11-07 16:05:05 UTC (1 day later)
By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland	By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland
SNP leader Alex Salmond has become the longest-serving Scottish first minister since devolution in 1999, having served in the post since 16 May, 2007.	SNP leader Alex Salmond has become the longest-serving Scottish first minister since devolution in 1999, having served in the post since 16 May, 2007.
He is the fourth politician to hold the role, not counting Jim Wallace, who served as acting first minister three times.	He is the fourth politician to hold the role, not counting Jim Wallace, who served as acting first minister three times.
So who are Scotland's leaders, past and present, and what legacies have they left?	So who are Scotland's leaders, past and present, and what legacies have they left?
Donald Dewar: First minister from 13 May 1999 to 11 October 2000	Donald Dewar: First minister from 13 May 1999 to 11 October 2000
Donald Dewar secured his place in history when he became first minister of the first Scottish Parliament in almost 300 years, but his time in the role was cut sadly short.	Donald Dewar secured his place in history when he became first minister of the first Scottish Parliament in almost 300 years, but his time in the role was cut sadly short.
He was known for an astute legal brain, fierce, fast and formidable debating skills and squaring up to the opposition benches.	He was known for an astute legal brain, fierce, fast and formidable debating skills and squaring up to the opposition benches.
Not a typical Labour man, he was born in Glasgow on 21 August 1937 into a middle class family and studied law before entering the Commons in 1966 as MP for Aberdeen South and, later, represented the seat of Glasgow Garscadden.	Not a typical Labour man, he was born in Glasgow on 21 August 1937 into a middle class family and studied law before entering the Commons in 1966 as MP for Aberdeen South and, later, represented the seat of Glasgow Garscadden.
His loyalty in the shadow cabinet during Labour's wilderness years saw him rewarded with the post of secretary of state for Scotland by Tony Blair in 1997 - the vehicle by which he helped bring about devolution two years later, earning him the title "Father of the Nation".	His loyalty in the shadow cabinet during Labour's wilderness years saw him rewarded with the post of secretary of state for Scotland by Tony Blair in 1997 - the vehicle by which he helped bring about devolution two years later, earning him the title "Father of the Nation".
He became MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, but his new administration was soon embroiled in an access-to-ministers scandal, the Holyrood building project and the repeal of Section 28.	He became MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, but his new administration was soon embroiled in an access-to-ministers scandal, the Holyrood building project and the repeal of Section 28.
Mr Dewar admitted the first year was "towsy".	Mr Dewar admitted the first year was "towsy".
Despite an operation to replace a leaky heart valve and being two years off becoming a pensioner, he was determined to resume his key role in politics.	Despite an operation to replace a leaky heart valve and being two years off becoming a pensioner, he was determined to resume his key role in politics.
On 10 October 2000, Mr Dewar fell on the pavement outside his official residence and later died from a brain haemorrhage.	On 10 October 2000, Mr Dewar fell on the pavement outside his official residence and later died from a brain haemorrhage.
Mr Dewar's legacy lives on through the devolved parliament, and a towering statue of the man himself in Glasgow city centre.	Mr Dewar's legacy lives on through the devolved parliament, and a towering statue of the man himself in Glasgow city centre.
Henry McLeish: First minister from 26 October 2000 to 8 November 2001	Henry McLeish: First minister from 26 October 2000 to 8 November 2001
Whatever Henry McLeish's achievements in politics, his tenure in office will always be marked by having been the only Scottish first minister forced to resign from the job.	Whatever Henry McLeish's achievements in politics, his tenure in office will always be marked by having been the only Scottish first minister forced to resign from the job.
The former professional footballer cut his political teeth in Fife in the early 1970s, working his way through the echelons of Kirkcaldy District Council and Fife Regional Council to be elected Labour MP for Fife Central in 1987.	The former professional footballer cut his political teeth in Fife in the early 1970s, working his way through the echelons of Kirkcaldy District Council and Fife Regional Council to be elected Labour MP for Fife Central in 1987.
He served on the shadow benches before becoming a devolution minister in the former Scottish Office, playing a key role in delivering the Scottish Parliament in 1999.	He served on the shadow benches before becoming a devolution minister in the former Scottish Office, playing a key role in delivering the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Mr McLeish was regarded as a competent parliamentary performer, and was seen as a safe pair of hands to take over the reins following the death of Donald Dewar.	Mr McLeish was regarded as a competent parliamentary performer, and was seen as a safe pair of hands to take over the reins following the death of Donald Dewar.
But there were doubts about the presence of a "common touch" and the ability to control rebellion in the ranks.	But there were doubts about the presence of a "common touch" and the ability to control rebellion in the ranks.
Nevertheless, he masterminded the introduction of Scotland's historic scheme to provide free personal care for the elderly.	Nevertheless, he masterminded the introduction of Scotland's historic scheme to provide free personal care for the elderly.
The Fife MSP's downfall came during a row over his Westminster constituency office expenses, dubbed "Officegate".	The Fife MSP's downfall came during a row over his Westminster constituency office expenses, dubbed "Officegate".
The episode was made worse by Mr McLeish's inability to resolve the matter in the eyes of the public and media, and he eventually stood down as first minister, describing his actions as "a muddle, not a fiddle".	The episode was made worse by Mr McLeish's inability to resolve the matter in the eyes of the public and media, and he eventually stood down as first minister, describing his actions as "a muddle, not a fiddle".
Mr McLeish's post-Holyrood years have seen him lecture widely in the United States.	Mr McLeish's post-Holyrood years have seen him lecture widely in the United States.
He has also served on several SNP government investigations and commissions looking into a range of issues, including prisons, football, broadcasting and colleges.	He has also served on several SNP government investigations and commissions looking into a range of issues, including prisons, football, broadcasting and colleges.
That, along with his post-2007 commentary about Labour's woes, during which he lambasted the party's "culture of denial", led some observers to cheekily question whether he was "going Nat".	That, along with his post-2007 commentary about Labour's woes, during which he lambasted the party's "culture of denial", led some observers to cheekily question whether he was "going Nat".
Jack McConnell: First minister from 22 November 2001 to 16 May 2007	Jack McConnell: First minister from 22 November 2001 to 16 May 2007
Elected Labour MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw in 1999, the former maths teacher came to the fore after taking up the "poisoned chalice" of education minister, tackling a crisis at the Scottish Qualifications Authority head-on.	Elected Labour MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw in 1999, the former maths teacher came to the fore after taking up the "poisoned chalice" of education minister, tackling a crisis at the Scottish Qualifications Authority head-on.
Following Henry McLeish's resignation, Lord McConnell won the job - openly admitting to a previous extra-marital affair in the process - and taking on the post while wondering whether devolution could survive.	Following Henry McLeish's resignation, Lord McConnell won the job - openly admitting to a previous extra-marital affair in the process - and taking on the post while wondering whether devolution could survive.
As first minister, he saw through the ban on smoking in public places and forged new links with the African country of Malawi, one of the poorest in the world, which he has maintained to this day.	As first minister, he saw through the ban on smoking in public places and forged new links with the African country of Malawi, one of the poorest in the world, which he has maintained to this day.
He stood down as Scottish Labour leader after the SNP's 2007 election win, moving to the backbenches for four years.	He stood down as Scottish Labour leader after the SNP's 2007 election win, moving to the backbenches for four years.
Mr McConnell was due to become British High Commissioner to Malawi in 2009 but, before having a chance to take up the post, the then prime minister Gordon Brown decided to appoint him his special international representative on strengthening conflict resolution capacity.	Mr McConnell was due to become British High Commissioner to Malawi in 2009 but, before having a chance to take up the post, the then prime minister Gordon Brown decided to appoint him his special international representative on strengthening conflict resolution capacity.
The move provoked speculation that it would avoid a Labour by-election defeat in Motherwell and Wishaw.	The move provoked speculation that it would avoid a Labour by-election defeat in Motherwell and Wishaw.
After being made a life peer, taking the title Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, he announced a move to leave Holyrood.	After being made a life peer, taking the title Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, he announced a move to leave Holyrood.
He also expressed his wish to work in post-conflict reconstruction and campaign for vulnerable young people.	He also expressed his wish to work in post-conflict reconstruction and campaign for vulnerable young people.
Despite the odd gaffe - including having to reverse a decision to attend a golf club dinner rather than D-Day commemorative events in Normandy and once telling a group of high school pupils it was okay to get drunk "once in a while" - Lord McConnell says he is immensely proud of his achievements as first minister.	Despite the odd gaffe - including having to reverse a decision to attend a golf club dinner rather than D-Day commemorative events in Normandy and once telling a group of high school pupils it was okay to get drunk "once in a while" - Lord McConnell says he is immensely proud of his achievements as first minister.
In his parting shot to Holyrood, Lord McConnell said the Scottish Parliament was failing in its role as a focal point for national debate and ministerial scrutiny and was in need of "radical change".	In his parting shot to Holyrood, Lord McConnell said the Scottish Parliament was failing in its role as a focal point for national debate and ministerial scrutiny and was in need of "radical change".
	As Mr Salmond's milestone approached, Lord McConnell took to Twitter, cheekily writing: "This might be my last ever night as 'longest serving First Minister of Scotland'. Maybe overtaken tomorrow? Still the youngest though!"
Alex Salmond: First minister from 16 May 2007 to present	Alex Salmond: First minister from 16 May 2007 to present
Seen as one of the most talented politicians of his generation, Alex Salmond already had a high-profile before he won two historic Holyrood elections as SNP leader, securing the mandate to hold a referendum on Scottish independence in the process.	Seen as one of the most talented politicians of his generation, Alex Salmond already had a high-profile before he won two historic Holyrood elections as SNP leader, securing the mandate to hold a referendum on Scottish independence in the process.
Born in 1954 in Linlithgow, Mr Salmond graduated from St Andrews University and began a career in economics, working for the Scottish Office and the Royal Bank of Scotland.	Born in 1954 in Linlithgow, Mr Salmond graduated from St Andrews University and began a career in economics, working for the Scottish Office and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Despite earning himself a brief expulsion from the SNP in 1982 for his role in the breakaway '79 Group, he began his parliamentary career as MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987, building himself a high-profile.	Despite earning himself a brief expulsion from the SNP in 1982 for his role in the breakaway '79 Group, he began his parliamentary career as MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987, building himself a high-profile.
He served as party leader from 1990, standing down after 10 years only to make a dramatic comeback to the SNP's top job before winning the 2007 Holyrood election.	He served as party leader from 1990, standing down after 10 years only to make a dramatic comeback to the SNP's top job before winning the 2007 Holyrood election.
Often derided by his political opponents as arrogant and self-serving, Mr Salmond has nonetheless succeeded in turning his party (in terms of seats) into the most popular in the history of devolution.	Often derided by his political opponents as arrogant and self-serving, Mr Salmond has nonetheless succeeded in turning his party (in terms of seats) into the most popular in the history of devolution.
His greatest challenge lies ahead, with the fight to secure a "Yes" vote for independence in two years' time.	His greatest challenge lies ahead, with the fight to secure a "Yes" vote for independence in two years' time.
Jim Wallace: First minister on various occasions between 1999 and 2001	Jim Wallace: First minister on various occasions between 1999 and 2001
Liberal Democrat Jim Wallace never held the post of first minister on a permanent basis but was called on to do the job on three occasions when sickness, death and scandal befell the Labour incumbent.	Liberal Democrat Jim Wallace never held the post of first minister on a permanent basis but was called on to do the job on three occasions when sickness, death and scandal befell the Labour incumbent.
The politician, now known as Lord Wallace of Tankerness, became deputy first minister in 1999, staying in the post until his resignation as Scottish Liberal Democrat leader on a high, following a good night at the polls for his party in the 2005 UK election.	The politician, now known as Lord Wallace of Tankerness, became deputy first minister in 1999, staying in the post until his resignation as Scottish Liberal Democrat leader on a high, following a good night at the polls for his party in the 2005 UK election.
He studied law at Edinburgh University and worked as an advocate before entering parliament in the 1983 General Election as MP for Orkney and Shetland.	He studied law at Edinburgh University and worked as an advocate before entering parliament in the 1983 General Election as MP for Orkney and Shetland.
Mr Wallace joined the Liberal Party in 1972 and became its Scottish party leader in 1992, before being elected MSP for Orkney when devolution happened in 1999.	Mr Wallace joined the Liberal Party in 1972 and became its Scottish party leader in 1992, before being elected MSP for Orkney when devolution happened in 1999.
When no clear winner emerged in the first devolved government, Mr Wallace's Liberal Democrats agreed to become Labour's coalition partner.	When no clear winner emerged in the first devolved government, Mr Wallace's Liberal Democrats agreed to become Labour's coalition partner.
He credits his party's role in the coalition for bringing about policies like scrapping up-front tuition fees, free personal care and Scotland's "right to roam" land reforms.	He credits his party's role in the coalition for bringing about policies like scrapping up-front tuition fees, free personal care and Scotland's "right to roam" land reforms.
But it was not all plain sailing when, as Scottish justice minister, Lord Wallace was forced to perform a series of u-turns, with plans to ban smacking, close Peterhead jail and open up children's hearings to over-16s all dropped.	But it was not all plain sailing when, as Scottish justice minister, Lord Wallace was forced to perform a series of u-turns, with plans to ban smacking, close Peterhead jail and open up children's hearings to over-16s all dropped.
Less than a year after devolution, Mr Wallace took up the post of first minister when Donald Dewar became ill, stepping in again when he died in October 2000.	Less than a year after devolution, Mr Wallace took up the post of first minister when Donald Dewar became ill, stepping in again when he died in October 2000.
When Mr McLeish quit in 2001, Lord Wallace found himself, albeit briefly, back in the hot seat, and his efforts saw him named Scottish Politician of the Year.	When Mr McLeish quit in 2001, Lord Wallace found himself, albeit briefly, back in the hot seat, and his efforts saw him named Scottish Politician of the Year.
After his move to the Lords and a bit of a back seat, Lord Wallace again found himself in government when he put his political and legal skills to use as Advocate General for Scotland in the UK coalition.	After his move to the Lords and a bit of a back seat, Lord Wallace again found himself in government when he put his political and legal skills to use as Advocate General for Scotland in the UK coalition.

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