Alex Salmond's St Andrew's Day memorial to be live-streamed

The service was initially invite only

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Author: Stephanie AllisonPublished 15th Nov 2024

Alex Salmond's family say a St Andrews Day memorial service will be live streamed, because of overwhelming interest, his family has announced.

The event at St Giles Cathedral on Saturday 30th November was going to be by invite only.

The 69 year old was buried in a private family funeral in Aberdeenshire following his death from a heart attack in North Macedonia last month.

A private family funeral was held near his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, on October 29.

A public memorial service was later confirmed.

READ MORE: Alex Salmond praised for helping homeless in Glasgow.

The late politician's family said they had been "overwhelmed" with public interest in those wishing to attend the service, which was invite only.

A spokesperson said a livestream would be set up to allow members of the public to watch the service.

They said: "The family are overwhelmed by the level of public interest in attending Alex's memorial service.

"Sadly, we cannot accommodate everyone who would like to attend but are pleased to say that the event will be live-streamed from St Giles' Cathedral, with the service scheduled to begin at 11am on Saturday November 30.

"Further details will be issued nearer the time."

The former SNP leader, who later founded the rival Alba Party, was remembered at his funeral at Strichen Parish Church as a "dear friend" and someone who took Scotland "so close to the dream of independence".

READ MORE: Private individual to pay for repatriation of Alex Salmond.

Kenny MacAskill, acting leader of Alba, hailed him as "a giant of a man, the leader of our country, the leader of our movement", before describing him as "an inspiration, a political genius, an orator, debater and communicator without parallel".

SNP MSP Fergus Ewing and Salmond's niece, Christina Hendry, also delivered eulogies.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry, former House of Commons speaker John Bercow and ex-SNP MP Jim Sillars were among his former colleagues who attended.

John Swinney was not present. The First Minister paid tribute to Mr Salmond during a special motion of condolence in the Scottish Parliament.

The SNP leader said the former first minister "left an indelible mark on Scotland".

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