Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond died in October 2024, nearly bankrupt from legal fees after being acquitted on most sexual assault charges.

Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland, died in October 2024 reportedly nearly bankrupt after years of costly legal battles. He faced 14 sexual assault charges, was acquitted on 12 counts and found not proven on one, with one charge dropped; a 2023 court ruling found the Scottish Government mishandled the investigation, awarding him £500,000 in legal costs. Despite the ruling, legal fees from both trials reportedly drained his finances. He was pursuing a malfeasance claim against the government at the time of his death. A trustee in sequestration is expected to manage his estate. An investigation into potential witness perjury remains ongoing.