A private funeral service is taking place for Alex Salmond as the former First Minister is laid to rest. A coffin adorned with a saltire was brought to Strichen Parish Church, located near Salmond’s Aberdeenshire residence, shortly before noon. Salmond passed away at the age of 69 due to a heart attack while attending a conference in North Macedonia just over two weeks prior.

The service, attended by family and close friends, will be followed by a private burial. Eulogies will be delivered by acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill, former SNP cabinet member Fergus Ewing, and Salmond’s niece, Christina Hendry. Notable attendees include former SNP MPs Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry, and Eilidh Whiteford, as well as ex-Commons Speaker John Bercow and Campbell Gunn, who advised Salmond during his time as First Minister. Alba chair Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh and SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing are also present.

Outside the church, around 20 people gathered to pay their respects. First Minister John Swinney is not in attendance but has submitted a motion of condolence to the Scottish Parliament on behalf of the government and expressed his thoughts with the family.

In his eulogy shared with the media, MacAskill referred to Salmond as a “giant” and “political genius,” noting that despite being demanding, he was fair and exceptionally loyal. He highlighted Salmond’s commitment to defending his colleagues even when mistakes were made privately. MacAskill reflected on Salmond’s impactful legacy, citing contributions such as infrastructure improvements and policies like free prescriptions and tuition fees.

Hendry conveyed that her family felt “the grief of a nation” while also sharing their personal loss. She emphasized that to them, Uncle Alex was much more than a public figure; he was a beloved family member.

After the service concludes, Fergus Mutch, a former adviser to Salmond, will lead the procession to the burial site while playing bagpipes. The Reverend Ian McEwan, a family friend who conducted Salmond’s father’s funeral in 2017, is officiating this service. Prior to the event, McEwan expressed his intention to provide comfort through a respectful tribute.

Salmond’s remains were returned to Scotland from North Macedonia via a private flight funded by businessman Sir Tom Hunter. He suffered a heart attack during lunch at an Academy for Cultural Diplomacy conference. His family released a statement honoring him as “a devoted husband” and “a loyal brother,” among other heartfelt descriptions. The Scottish cabinet recently convened to reflect on Salmond’s unexpected passing and extended sympathies to his family.