Memorial Service for Alex Salmond Scheduled for St Andrew’s Day

A public memorial service for Alex Salmond, who previously served as first minister, is scheduled to take place in Edinburgh on St Andrew’s Day. According to his family, the service, set for St Giles’ Cathedral on November 30, will provide an opportunity for individuals to bid farewell and contemplate his life. The 69-year-old passed away unexpectedly last month, having suffered a heart attack during his attendance at a conference in North Macedonia. His burial occurred in a private family funeral held close to his Aberdeenshire residence. This memorial gathering is exclusively by invitation, with invitations being dispatched this week. BBC Scotland News has learned that approximately 400 guests are expected to receive invitations. First Minister John Swinney is anticipated to be present, along with delegates from Scotland’s primary political parties and the UK government. Mr. Swinney had previously spearheaded tributes to Salmond within Holyrood, stating that “the former first minister had left an indelible mark on public life during his political career.” International representatives are also among those expected to be invited, notably including the North Macedonia government, which assisted with the arrangements for Salmond’s body to be repatriated to Scotland. Individuals prominent in the arts, culture, and business fields are also anticipated to attend. Salmond’s private burial took place two weeks prior, following a service at Strichen Parish Church attended by his family and close acquaintances. His wife, Moira, along with his sisters, Margaret and Gail, his brother, Bob, and his nieces and nephews, characterized him as “a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend”. Among the political figures present at the funeral were former SNP Members of Parliament Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry, and Eilidh Whiteford, in addition to former Commons speaker John Bercow. Salmond held the position of Scotland’s first minister until 2014. He resigned immediately following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, in which the Yes campaign was defeated with 45% of the vote. Subsequent to his departure from the SNP, Salmond established Alba, an alternative party advocating for independence. A spokesperson for the Scottish government stated: “The Scottish government is awaiting formal details about the memorial service.“The thoughts of the first minister and the Scottish government remain with Mr Salmond’s family and friends.”” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.