Alex Salmond memorial attended by political heavyweights including Gordon Brown and John Swinney

The memorial service held in honour of Alex Salmond drew a crowd of political heavyweights, with the likes of Gordon Brown and John Swinney in attendance. The service took place at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, a significant location where the late Queen had also been laid to rest.

Notably absent from the event was Nicola Sturgeon, with whom Salmond had a well-known feud. Despite her absence, senior figures from the SNP such as Stephen Flynn, Kate Forbes, and Fiona Hyslop chose to attend, sparking intrigue about the party’s internal dynamics.

The ceremony featured tributes from a variety of personalities from different sectors, including The Proclaimers and Dougie MacLean who performed. The guest list, filled with high-profile individuals, sent a clear message of support for Salmond amidst the controversies surrounding him.

One of the speakers at the service, former SNP MSP Duncan Hamilton KC, highlighted Salmond’s impact on Scottish politics and independence aspirations. The event also saw references to the deep divisions within the SNP and the legacy Salmond leaves behind in shaping Scotland’s political landscape.

Salmond’s niece, Christina Hendry, reflected on her uncle as both a political figure and a beloved family member, underscoring the personal loss his passing represents. The service concluded with a moving tribute to Salmond’s contributions, vision, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Scottish independence.

Following the public memorial, Salmond was laid to rest in a private service in Aberdeenshire, where he had resided for years. His political career, including leading Scotland from 2007 to 2014, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s political scene.

The memorial service not only honoured Salmond’s legacy but also shed light on the intricate relationships and divisions within Scottish politics, underscoring the complexities that continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.