Alex Salmond’s memorial service to be held on St Andrew’s Day

A commemorative memorial service to mark the passing of Alex Salmond will be held at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on St Andrew’s Day.  

The former first minister’s friends and family said the service would allow people to say farewell and reflect on his life.  

Salmond was laid to rest at the end of last month in Strichen, Aberdeenshire after he died suddenly earlier that month in North Macedonia at the age of 69. 

He had been giving a speech at a conference when he suffered a heart attack later that day. 

A family spokesman told The Sunday Times: "Friends of Alex, who knew and worked with him for many years, are providing support at the family's request in helping to organise a fitting memorial service for the former first minister. 

"It will be an occasion for people to say farewell to Alex and reflect on his life and achievements." 

First Minister John Swinney is expected to be in attendance, as well as representatives from Scotland’s main political parties. Nicola Sturgeon is not expected to attend.