Alex Salmond to be remembered in Scottish Parliament next week

MSPs from across the parliament will gather to debate the motion of condolence following the death of former first minister Alex Salmond next week.

The Scottish Parliament will debate the motion, lodged by First Minister John Swinney last week, on Wednesday afternoon.

All opposition leaders will be invited to speak to the motion after the first minister.

The motion reads: "That the Parliament expresses its shock and sadness at the untimely death of Alex Salmond; offers its deep sympathy and condolences to his family and friends; appreciates the many years of public service that he gave as an MP, MSP, and First Minister of Scotland, and recognises the substantial and significant contribution that he made over many decades to public life, Scottish and UK politics and the cause of Scottish independence."

Salmond passed away earlier this month at age 69 after suffering a heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia, where he was giving a speech.

His body returned home late last week on a private chartered flight, paid for by Scottish millionaire, Sir Tom Hunter.

Arriving in Aberdeen, his coffin was received by his family and acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill.

The books of condolence, both those in the Scottish Parliament and online, will remain open until 5pm on Saturday 2 November, after which the messages of condolence will be sent on to Salmond’s family.

Salmond’s private family funeral will take place on Tuesday 29 at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire.

It is understood there will be a larger public memorial in Edinburgh at a later date, which has yet to be announced.