Russia TV role is Eck of a mistake

ALEX Salmond’s rapid descent from national statesman to international laughing stock is like something from a Shakespearian tragedy.

Just a few years ago, it looked like Salmond might go down in history as the man who led Scotland to independence.

Instead, he will be remembered as a mercenary egotist who gladly sold himself to a despot because of a narcissistic need to always hog the spotlight.

Salmond’s decision to host a weekly show on Vladimir Putin’s propaganda network Russia Today is a shameful and sordid episode in the history of Scottish nationalism.

It was an open secret during the 2014 referendum that the Russians hoped to destabilise Britain by sparking proindependence sentiment in Scotland.

RT played a key role in spreading fake rumours that the vote had been rigged but sensible nationalists did all they could to distance themselves from the conspiracy theories.

Even Nicola Sturgeon felt obliged to slap the former first minister down.

Some commentators have said Salmond’s fans – of which there are still many in Scotland – will not be bothered in the slightest by his latest career move. Well, they should be.

He is now a mere propaganda puppet for a murderous regime who imprison critics, persecute gay people and attempt to destabilise democracies around the world.

It’s a pitiful end to what had been an impressive political career. But he only has himself – and his out-of-control ego – to blame.