Alex Salmond’s Funeral Held Privately Near Aberdeenshire Residence

Alex Salmond’s burial has taken place after a private funeral service held close to his Aberdeenshire residence. His coffin, adorned with a saltire, was carried in a procession originating from Strichen Parish Church. Mr. Salmond passed away from a heart attack at the age of 69, approximately two weeks prior, during his attendance at a conference in North Macedonia. The religious ceremony, which included family members and intimate acquaintances, concluded with a private interment. Subsequent to Mr. Salmond’s passing, his wife Moira, 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”. Tributes during the church service were given by Kenny MacAskill, the acting leader of the Alba Party; Fergus Ewing, a former colleague from the SNP; and Christina Hendry, Mr. Salmond’s niece. Among the political personalities present at the funeral were former SNP Members of Parliament Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry, and Eilidh Whiteford, alongside former Commons speaker John Bercow, Campbell Gunn, who served as an advisor to Mr. Salmond during his tenure as first minister, and Lord Frank Mulholland, a former lord advocate. Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, the chairwoman of Alba, and Annabelle Ewing, an SNP MSP, were also present. Approximately 50 individuals assembled on the street outside the church while the ceremony was underway. John Swinney, the First Minister, who has presented a motion of condolence to the Scottish Parliament, did not attend. A representative stated: “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.” Mr. Salmond guided the SNP to power at Holyrood in 2007 and held the position of Scotland’s first minister until 2014. He resigned directly after the Scottish independence referendum of that year, in which the Yes campaign was defeated, securing 45% of the ballots. During the subsequent years, Mr. Salmond had a disagreement with his protégé and successor, Nicola Sturgeon, concerning her government’s management of harassment allegations made against him. He was acquitted of grave sexual offense charges at a High Court trial in Edinburgh in 2020. The government’s management of the complaints resulted in multiple civil court proceedings, and Mr. Salmond was still involved in one such case against the government when he died. Subsequent to his departure from the SNP, Mr. Salmond established Alba, an alternative party advocating for independence. During his eulogy, MacAskill characterized Mr. Salmond – who attended Linlithgow Academy a few years ahead of him and evolved into a close political associate – as a “giant” and a “political genius”. MacAskill, who held the role of Mr. Salmond’s justice secretary, depicted him as being “demanding but fair”. He further stated: “He was also extremely loyal and supportive. When mistakes were made, he would defend vigorously even if harsh words were said in private.” MacAskill concluded his address: “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 expressed that the family has experienced “the grief of a nation, and beyond”. She further remarked: “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.” Ewing, who held a ministerial position in Mr. Salmond’s administration, characterized the service as “extremely moving”. He referred to Mr. Salmond as Scotland’s most exceptional leader “arguably in this century”. He also stated: “He did so much for Scotland that he will be missed forever. “But his memory will live on forever.” Subsequent to the ceremony, Fergus Mutch, Mr. Salmond’s former adviser, guided the procession to the interment site, performing on the bagpipes. The Reverend Ian McEwan, a friend of the family who had previously officiated at the funeral of Mr. Salmond’s father, Robert, in 2017, conducted the funeral rites. Prior to the service, Mr. McEwan expressed his wish to provide solace to the family through a “dignified and fitting tribute to his life” that would be “shielded from the public gaze”. Mr. Salmond’s remains were returned to Scotland from North Macedonia via a private aircraft, funded by Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter. The former first minister was attending a conference organized by the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy when he suffered a heart attack while having lunch with fellow delegates. John Swinney is scheduled to lead tributes to Mr. Salmond during a motion of condolence at Holyrood on Wednesday, and a public memorial service is planned for a subsequent date.