Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, October 29. This confirmation arrives after the shocking news of his sudden death due to a heart attack at the age of 69. Salmond's passing occurred during a conference held in North Macedonia earlier this month, where he collapsed after lunch. Friends and family were devastated, and attempts to revive him using CPR were unfortunately unsuccessful.
The private funeral will be hosted at Strichen Parish Church, located close to Salmond's home. It is expected to be attended exclusively by family members and close friends, marking the occasion with necessary dignity. Following the church service, Reverend Ian McEwan will lead the burial at Strichen Cemetery.
Notably, there will be no formal invitation extended to Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond's former successor as First Minister, amid reports of their fraught relationship following serious allegations against Salmond during his political career. There is still uncertainty over her potential attendance at a more public memorial service slated for later this year, where wider crowds may gather to pay their respects.
The location of the funeral holds significance for Salmond, who spent many years living there with his wife, Moira. His body was repatriated to Scotland on Friday, with the flight arranged by businessman Sir Tom Hunter, highlighting the respect and care with which Salmond's return to his homeland was treated.
Salmond’s coffin, draped with the Saltire, was met with poignant tributes upon arrival at Aberdeen Airport, where it was received by family and the acting Alba Party leader, Kenny MacAskil, alongside the traditional sound of bagpipes.
A biker escort, emblematic of the support for Scottish independence, led the funeral cortege from the airport, giving visuals of solidarity among independence supporters. A small gathering of well-wishers welcomed the arrival of Salmond's body home, which was both honoring and somber.
While details of the upcoming public memorial service remain under wraps, it is anticipated to celebrate Salmond's legacy as the leader who was instrumental during the 2007-2014 Scottish Government period and one of the driving forces behind the independence referendum.
Despite their previous close working relationship, the rift between Salmond and Sturgeon deepened significantly after allegations of sexual harassment emerged against him, which were later deemed unlawful by the courts. The strained relations cast shadows over the mourning momment, with some supporters expressing frustration over the exclusion of Sturgeon from the service, reiterantly emphasizing their hopes for unity during this tragic time.
The relationships and dynamics among these prominent figures garner attention as politicians, supporters, and observers reflect on the impact of Salmond’s life. Reactions from the political arena echo sentiments of loss, commemorations of his contributions to Scottish governance, and discussions on how his political legacy will shape future dialogues around Scottish independence.
More details will be forthcoming relating to the public memorial, but for now, the family will focus on having the solemn private ceremony, allowing for intimate farewells to the former leader who played pivotal roles throughout his political career and significantly influenced Scotland’s contemporary political fabric.
