THE many sides of Alex Salmond have been on display during the referendum campaign which has defined his career.

We've seen the jovial man of the people, the tough debater, the tetchy interviewee, the barnstorming orator and more.

Yesterday he was at peace with himself, comfortable in his own skin. He finally relaxed - just as he stunned a small audience of invited journalists with the news he was stepping down after seven years as First Minister.

Standing in the drawing room of Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh, he made a brief statement before answering all questions thrown at him. He was thoughtful and considered. On an occasion that could have been filled with pain, he was a man simply happy to chat.

Mr Salmond seemed relieved the weight of leading not just a party but a movement that can be all-consuming for its followers had finally been lifted from him. His reasons for leaving were clear: he felt the fresh challenges facing the SNP after defeat in the referendum required a fresh leader, someone to "hold Westminster's feet to the fire" over new powers for Holyrood.

He was proud of securing 1.6 million votes for Yes, and said he had loved being First Minister, the greatest privilege of his life. Abolishing student tuition fees - "restoring free education" - was his finest hour.

Referendum regrets? He had a few but didn't go into specifics. "No campaign is perfect," he admitted. "But any mistakes were mine and mine alone."

He will continue in office until mid-November when the SNP will choose a successor. That person will duly be installed as First Minister the following week. As for Mr Salmond, the Ryder Cup later this month will be his last chance to enjoy a life he has relished since winning power.

Questions exhausted, he held up his hands, grinned and said: "Ladies and gentlemen, I think you've had a pretty fair kick of the ball." So has Scotland's longest serving First Minister.