Final Farewell: Private Funeral for Former First Minister Alex Salmond Scheduled in Aberdeenshire

The private family funeral for Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, is scheduled for next week. Salmond passed away at 69 years old while visiting Ohrid, North Macedonia, earlier this month.

Scotland correspondent @ConnorGillies

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 10:

Alex Salmond's private family funeral is set to take place next week in a village in Aberdeenshire, officials have confirmed.

The ex-leader of Scotland passed away earlier this month at 69 due to a heart attack while attending a conference in the lakeside town of Ohrid, North Macedonia.

The former head of the Alba Party had given a speech just before he fell unconscious in a room full of people at midday.

The passing of the prominent figure stunned the political sphere in the UK, eliciting a flood of tributes from the Prime Minister, the King, and key political leaders.

Mr. Salmond's remains were returned to Aberdeen last Friday.

The casket was received by his family, among them his spouse, Moira, and the interim leader of the Alba Party, Kenny MacAskill, as a bagpiper performed "Freedom Come All Ye."

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Close ally and Tory MP Sir David Davis spearheaded efforts for the Royal Air Force to transport Mr. Salmond's remains, however, a private jet to Aberdeen Airport was ultimately arranged and financed by businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.

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Following a significant rift with the SNP and Nicola Sturgeon, the Alba Party, established by Mr. Salmond, announced that the funeral is scheduled for October 29.

Discover more: The influential figure of Alex Salmond in Scottish politicsAs Scotland searches for a fresh face to champion independence

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The memorial service for the family will be held in the small village of Strichen, the place where the ex-SNP leader resided with his spouse.

Plans are underway for a public memorial scheduled for next month.

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