Alex Salmond will be laid to rest in a private funeral later today. The former first minister of Scotland passed away 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 given a speech before collapsing in a crowded room during lunch. His sudden 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 called for the RAF to bring Mr. Salmond’s body home, but ultimately, a private flight was chartered and paid for by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter. His family, including his wife, Moira, and acting Alba Party leader, Kenny MacAskill, welcomed the coffin as a piper played Freedom Come All Ye. YesBikers for Scottish Independence then led a procession to a funeral home in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, where a small crowd of well-wishers gathered to show their support.
When asked why there were no Scottish or UK government representatives at the airport, First Minister John Swinney stated that they were respecting the wishes of Mr. Salmond’s family. He also expressed willingness to attend the larger memorial service, emphasizing that he would abide by the wishes of Alex Salmond’s family.
A private funeral service for family and close friends will take place at 1pm at Strichen Parish Church today, followed by a burial at Strichen Cemetery. The ceremony will be led 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. A public memorial is expected to be held at a later date, while a book of condolence has been opened at the Scottish parliament for visitors to leave messages for Mr. Salmond’s family.
Alex Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and led the SNP on two occasions. He launched the Alba Party in 2021 in his ongoing campaign for independence. Following his passing, Mr. Salmond’s family described him as “a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect, and admired throughout the world.”