Alex Salmond: Private funeral of former first minister to take place today

Alex Salmond will be laid to rest in a private funeral later today.

The former first minister of Scotland died from a heart attack earlier this month at the age of 69 during a conference trip to the lake resort of Ohrid in North Macedonia.

The late Alba Party leader had earlier delivered a speech before collapsing in a crowded room during lunch.

His death shocked the political world in the UK, with tributes pouring in from the prime minister, the King and other leading politicians.

Close friend and Conservative MP Sir David Davis had led calls for the RAF to be used to bring Mr Salmond's body home, but in the end, a private flight was chartered and paid for by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.

Mr Salmond's body was repatriated to Aberdeen Airport on 18 October.

His family, including his wife, Moira, and acting Alba Party leader, Kenny MacAskill, greeted the coffin as a piper played Freedom Come All Ye.

YesBikers for Scottish Independence then led a cortege to a funeral home in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, where a small crowd of well-wishers gathered to show their support.

When questioned by Sky News over why there were no Scottish or UK government representatives at the airport, First Minister John Swinney said they were following the wishes of Mr Salmond's family.

When further asked if he plans to attend the larger memorial service, Mr Swinney said: "I would be very happy to attend the memorial service, but I'm stressing the point that I will do whatever is the wishes of Alex Salmond's family."

A private funeral service attended by family and close friends will be held from 1pm at Strichen Parish Church today, followed by a burial at Strichen Cemetery.

The ceremony will be conducted by a friend of the Salmond family, Reverend Ian McEwan.

Eulogies will be given by Mr MacAskill, SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, and niece Christina Hendry - who is the daughter of Mr Salmond's sister, Gail Hendry.

A public memorial is expected to be held at a later date.

In the meantime, a book of condolence has been opened at the Scottish parliament for visitors to leave messages that will be sent to Mr Salmond's family.

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Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

He stepped down from both roles following the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and was replaced by one-time friend Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Salmond went on to launch the Alba Party in 2021 in his continued campaign for independence.

Following his death, Mr Salmond's family said he was "a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect and admired throughout the world".