Mourners gather for former first minister’s funeral

A private funeral service is being held for Alex Salmond as the former first minister is laid to rest.

A coffin, draped in a saltire, arrived at Strichen Parish Church, near the former Alba and SNP leader’s Aberdeenshire home, shortly before 12:00.

Salmond died of a heart attack, aged 69, while attending a conference in North Macedonia just over two weeks ago.

The service, attended by family and close friends, is to be followed by a private burial.

Eulogies are being delivered by acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill, former SNP cabinet colleague Fergus Ewing and Salmond’s niece Christina Hendry.

Among those in attendance are former SNP MPs Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry and Eilidh Whiteford, as well as ex-Commons speaker John Bercow, Campbell Gunn, who advised Salmond when he was first minister, and former lord advocate Lord Frank Mulholland.

Alba chairwoman Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh and SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing are also at the funeral.

A crowd of about 20 people gathered in the street outside the church.

First Minister John Swinney, who has submitted a motion of condolence to the Scottish Parliament, is not present.

A spokesperson said: “In line with the wishes of Mr Salmond’s family, the funeral is private.

“The thoughts of the first minister and the Scottish government remain with the family and friends of Mr Salmond.”

In his eulogy, released to the media, MacAskill, describes Salmond – who was a few years above him at Linlithgow Academy – as a “giant” and “political genius”.

The former SNP minister says his ex-cabinet colleague was “demanding but fair”.

He adds: “He was also extremely loyal and supportive. When mistakes were made, he would defend vigorously even if harsh words were said in private.”

MacAskill concludes: “The legacy he bequeathed is all around. From roads and bridges to rights such as free prescriptions and no tuition fees.

“That was him. So, farewell my friend – when will we see your like again.”

Ms Hendry says the family has felt “the grief of a nation, and beyond”.

She adds: “But for everyone in this room we have felt the loss differently. Uncle Alex was an important person to many, but to us he was a husband, a brother, an uncle, a colleague and a dear friend.”

Following the service, Salmond’s former adviser Fergus Mutch is to lead the procession to the burial while playing bagpipes.

The funeral is being led by the Reverend Ian McEwan, a family friend who led the funeral for Salmond’s father Robert in 2017.

Ahead of the service, Mr McEwan said he hoped to offer comfort to the family in a “dignified and fitting tribute to his life” that is “shielded from the public gaze”.

Salmond’s body was repatriated to Scotland from North Macedonia on a private flight paid for by Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter.

The former first minister had been at a conference held by the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy when he had a heart attack during lunch with other delegates.

His wife Moira, his sisters Margaret and Gail, his brother Bob and his nieces and nephews released a statement praising him as “a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend”.

MSPs are expected to pay tribute to Salmond on Wednesday when they debate the motion of condolence submitted by the first minister.