Coffin arrives as former first minister laid to rest

A coffin carrying the physique of Alex Salmond has arrived at his funeral as the former first minister is laid to rest.

A non-public service is being held in Strichen Parish Church, close to the former Alba and SNP chief’s Aberdeenshire dwelling.

A coffin, draped in a saltire, arrived shortly earlier than 12:00.

Salmond died of a coronary heart assault, aged 69, whereas attending a convention in North Macedonia simply over two weeks in the past.

The service, attended by household and shut associates, is to be adopted by a personal burial.

Eulogies are being delivered by performing Alba Party chief Kenny MacAskill, former SNP cupboard colleague Fergus Ewing and Salmond’s niece Christina Hendry.

Former SNP MPs Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry and Eilidh Whiteford are attending, as are ex-Commons speaker John Bercow, Campbell Gunn, who suggested Salmond when he was first minister, and former lord advocate Lord Frank Mulholland.

First Minister John Swinney, who has submitted a movement of condolence to the Scottish Parliament, just isn’t current.

A spokesperson stated: “In line with the wishes of Mr Salmond’s family, the funeral is private.

“The ideas of the first minister and the Scottish authorities stay with the household and associates of Mr Salmond.”

The service is being led by The Reverend Ian McEwan, a household good friend who led the funeral for Salmond’s father Robert in 2017.

Mr McEwan said that while Salmond was ebullient and confident in public, he was also a “exceptional individuals particular person” who “cared about extraordinary folks”.

The minister said he hoped to offer comfort to the family in a “dignified and fitting tribute to his life” that is “shielded from the public gaze”.

He stated the circumstances of Salmond’s demise in North Macedonia added “a layer of complexity” for the family to contend with.

“There’s a huge amount of distress and sadness around as you’d guess,” Mr McEwan said.

“They are an incredible family and just an inspiration to be with, even in such difficult circumstances as this.”

Salmond’s body was repatriated to Scotland from North Macedonia on a private flight paid for by Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter.

The former first minister had been at a conference held by the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy when he had a heart attack during lunch with other delegates.

His wife Moira, his sisters Margaret and Gail, his brother Bob and his nieces and nephews released a statement praising him as “a faithful and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and considerate uncle and a trustworthy and trusted good friend”.

MSPs are anticipated to pay tribute to Salmond on Wednesday once they debate the movement of condolence submitted by the first minister.