Author: Eck was explosive
ALEX Salmond’s explosive temper was first documented in a biography by historian David Torrance in 2010.
Salmond: Against All Odds catalogued the ex-SNP leader’s treatment of staff, based on extensive interviews with former employees.
It paints a picture of an aggressive but charismatic political leader who could terrorise staff but also inspire great loyalty.
Torrance’s book – originally published during Salmond’s first term in government – focused on how Salmond treated party aides and advisers.
He wrote: “There is no doubting that Salmond can, and frequently does, treat his staff appallingly.”
The author quoted one senior Nationalist, who told him: “Some of the people who worked with him in his Aberdeenshire office had a really rough time, a hard time but they survived, they came through.
“He was explosive in his rage but many of us can be.”
Torrance added: “Salmond is a demanding boss and if he feels a desired piece of work or project is not up to scratch, he can be merciless in his criticism.”
However, Torrance noted that Salmond’s staff also saw the good side of their boss and were loyal to him.
One staffer interviewed said: “He’s not the kind of guy who bears a grudge. He’s quite willing to move on.”