Born: 31 December, 1954

Education: Linlithgow Academy. St Andrew's University (Economics and History).

Personal details: Moira

Non-political career: Civil Service economist; Royal Bank of Scotland oil economist.

Political career: Joined SNP 1973; member NEC 1981; elected vice-convenor publicity 1985; senior vice-convenor (deputy leader) 1987; national convenor (leader) 1990-present; elected MP for Banff and Buchan 1987-present.

Profile: Prominent in the '79 Group which resulted in a brief expulsion from the party in 1981. Particular expertise in economics, fishing and energy and was member of Commons Energy Select Committee 1987-1992.

Before becoming an MP, wrote extensively for daily and specialist press on politics, fishing, oil and economics. Responsible for SNP Party Election Broadcasts in 1987.

Interrupted the Budget speech in March 1988 in protest at cuts in income tax rates and the introduction of the poll tax in Scotland, and was thrown out of the chamber for a week.

In his own words: "The Scottish people are up-beat, confident and forward-looking. I think there's been a sea change in the Scottish mood and I'm certain that the unionist parties haven't got anywhere near catching up with that. The Scottish people can open the gates towards independence any time they choose at each and every election and specifically through our policy of a referendum on independence. When it comes is up to the people of Scotland. My view is as soon as possible, but the pace of change is up to the people of Scotland."

How others see him: A sharp and effective debater with a strong appeal to the young in Scotland and a smart tactician who uses procedure to make publicity. Critics say he can be pompous. Has lost weight in run-up to Scottish Parliament Elections. Fiercely protective of his private life.