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Alex Salmond had debts of nearly £350,000 when he died suddenly last year . Official records show the former SNP First Minister only had assets worth £2,282, despite decades at the top of politics . Details of Salmond’s finances came as a trustee was appointed in the sequestration of his estate, a process akin to bankruptcy . Allies of Salmond said at the weekend that he had been ruined financially after clearing his name of sexual assault allegations in two court cases. In one of the legal cases, Salmond successfully challenged the legality of an SNP Government probe into sexual harassment claims. Legal proceedings against the Scottish Government over their pursuit of the case are ongoing. Salmond was also later acquitted of sexual offences charges in the High Court and his legal bills are believed to have been steep. According to the Accountant in Bankruptcy, a Government agency, Salmond’s debts stood at £344,347.58 while his assets were a paltry £2,282.38. The entry also lists two companies linked to Salmond - the Chronicles of Deer Ltd and Slainte Media Ltd Kenny Craig of Begbies Traynor has been appointed as the trustee in the sequestration of Salmond’s. estate. Thomas McKay, managing partner for Begbies Traynor in Scotland, said: “This is an unusual and complex appointment, particularly because it involves ongoing legal proceedings by a high-profile individual against the Scottish Government. “Kenny Craig, supported by our personal insolvency team at Begbies Traynor Group, will of course do all that he can to manage the sequestration as respectfully and sensitively as possible.” The Record reported this week that Salmond had been living in a London luxury apartment worth £2.5m at the time of his death. The rental on the property was £7,000 a week. Salmond died during a trip last year to North Macedonia. To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here
