Alex Salmond’s niece to stand for Alba at Scottish Parliament elections

Alex Salmond’s niece has announced that she intends to run in his place for the Scottish parliament elections in 2026. 

Christina Hendry will seek to contest the Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency – the seat the late Alba leader had announced his intention to stand for before his sudden death in October.  

Hendry, who works in child psychology in the Scottish Borders but was born in Peterhead and spent her early years in Cruden Bay, said she is “continuing Uncle Alex’s legacy and his dream of an independent Scotland”.  

She spoke at Salmond’s official memorial service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh last month and later described being “very moved” by the people who lined the streets when the former first minister’s coffin was driven from Aberdeen Airport to Fraserburgh.  

In a statement announcing her candidacy, Hendry said: “My parents met at Aberdeen University, I started my life in Peterhead, and half of my dad’s side are from the Broch [Fraserburgh]. Growing up, I have happy memories out campaigning with my uncle on his many successful elections. 

“The reception he received on his final journey from Aberdeen Airport to Fraserburgh was incredibly moving, it is clear people in the north east held him in such high regard – and rest assured he felt the same about the people in the north east. 

“I want to honour his name and his legacy and stand in the constituency he announced earlier this year. In doing so, the people of Banffshire and Buchan Coast will be able to vote for a candidate with independence and Salmond blood running through their veins.” 

Local Alba party members will decide whether Hendry will be put forward as the party’s candidate.