Niece of Alex Salmond bids to become Alba candidate at 2026 Holyrood election

Christina Hendry, the niece of the late Alex Salmond, is aiming to become a candidate for the Alba Party in the 2026 Holyrood election. She is seeking the party’s nomination for Banff and Buchan, the constituency previously represented by her uncle for thirty years. Despite Salmond’s plan to contest the seat before his untimely death in October, Hendry hopes to carry on his legacy.

During Alex Salmond’s official memorial service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Hendry paid tribute to her beloved uncle, reminiscing about her fond memories of him. She was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support shown during the procession of Salmond’s coffin from Aberdeen Airport to Fraserburgh. Hendry expressed her strong connection to Aberdeenshire and her desire to honour Salmond’s name and commitment to independence.

Born in Peterhead, Hendry has been actively involved in politics since her teenage years, participating in the 2014 independence referendum and the Scottish Youth Parliament. A qualified child psychologist, she emphasised her deep-rooted ties to the north-east region and her intention to represent the people there.

Hendry shared that her motivation to stand as a candidate stems from her desire to serve the local community and uphold her uncle’s proud legacy. She spoke of the immense pride Salmond would have felt towards her decision to follow in his footsteps. The final decision on her candidacy will be made by local party members.

The Alba Party has faced challenges in previous elections, failing to secure any seats, but Hendry remains optimistic about her bid for office. With a strong background in psychology and a passion for public service, she aims to bring a fresh perspective to the political landscape in Scotland.

In conclusion, Christina Hendry’s decision to run as an Alba Party candidate in the 2026 Holyrood election reflects her commitment to continuing Alex Salmond’s legacy and serving the people of Banff and Buchan. With a heartfelt dedication to her late uncle and a strong desire to make a difference in her community, she stands poised to make a meaningful impact on the political scene in Scotland.