Alex Salmond’s private funeral to be held next week

Alex Salmond’s private family funeral will take place on 29 October. 

The service will be held in Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire. 

The former first minister suffered a heart attack and died shortly after giving a speech in Ohrid, North Macedonia earlier this month.    

The funeral will be conducted by Rev Ian McEwan before a private burial at Strichen cemetery.  

It is understood there will be a larger public memorial in Edinburgh at a later date. 

A Motion of Condolence has been lodged by First Minister John Swinney, however the decision of when it will be taken has yet to be made.  

A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said: “A motion of condolence for Mr Salmond has been lodged by the First Minister, a decision on when this will be taken in the Chamber will be taken in due course.” 

Salmond’s body was repatriated last week on a private charter paid for by Scottish billionaire Sir Tom Hunter. 

Arriving back to Aberdeen, the flight was met by his family and long-term friend and acting leader of the Alba Party Kenny MacAskill.