Alex Salmond funeral LIVE: Piper leads procession as tearful mourners leave funeral
A CROWD of tearful mourners followed as Alex Salmond's coffin left his funeral service.
The Alba Party leader was laid to rest at a private service at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire this afternoon.
He was taken from the church in a Saltire-draped coffin, as his wife Moria followed in a car behind, as the political legend made his final journey.
Friends and relatives followed on foot, as the procession was led by former SNP comms chief Fergus Mutch, who piped the procession as it made its way to the cemetery.
Friends and relatives arrived at the church ahead of the private service.
There was applause from members of the public as Mr Salmond's funeral procession left the church.
Kenny MacAskill and Fergus Ewing were among those attending the service.
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh was seen wiping away a tear as she entered the church.
Jim Sillars. Joanna Cherry, John Bercow and Lord Frank Mulholland have all arrived for the funeral.
The political giant, 69, tragically died of a heart attack while at a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia, earlier this month.
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Moment piper leads large funeral procession for Alex Salmond
Piper Fergus Mutch led the large funeral procession for the former First Minister.
Crowds of mourners followed the procession on foot, with some members of the public walking behind.
Mutch served as a communications chief for the Scottish National Party.
Alex Salmonds coffin leaves the church as piper leads processionMoment Alex Salmond's funeral procession leaves church
Alex Salmond's funeral procession left the church and made its way to a private burial at the cemetery.
His coffin was taken from the church and placed into the hearse as his wife Moira followed in a car.
Mourners then followed the procession on foot, with members of the public applauding as they passed.
Alex Salmond's coffin leaves the church
Former SNP comms chief leading procession
Ex-SNP Head of Communications Fergus Mutch is the piper leading Alex Salmond's funeral procession.
Credit: PA Applause as procession leaves
Members of the public applauded Mr Salmond's funeral procession as it left Strichen Parish Church and made its way to the cemetery.
Credit: The Scottish Sun Locals following the procession
Some local people are following the procession to pay their respects as Alex Salmond's coffin leaves the church.
Piper leads hearse
The piper has started leading the hearse carrying Alex Salmond's coffin to the ceremony for his private burial.
Mourners walked behind the hearse and the car taking his wife Moira to the burial.
Piper plays as mourners leave funeral
Alex Salmond's family and friends have started to leave the church after his funeral.
A piper played as the line of mourners made their way out of Strichen Parish Church.
Alex Salmond's coffin leaves the church
Alex Salmond's coffin has left the church after the funeral service and will be taken to the cemetery for a private burial.
Cabinet 'reflected' on Alex Salmond's death
The Scottish Cabinet met this morning and "reflected on the sudden death" of former First Minister Alex Salmond.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said "the First Minister and cabinet recorded their sympathies to Mr Salmond's wife Moira and their wider family".
Swinney to lead tributes in Holyrood
John Swinney will lead tributes to Mr Salmond at a motion of condolence in Holyrood on Wednesday.
The First Minister did not attend Mr Salmond's funeral today "in line with the wishes" of the family.
Credit: Getty Pictured - Friends and family arrive to bid farewell to Alex Salmond
Relatives and friends of the former First Minister arrived at the church to say their final farewell to the political legend.
His wife Moira as well as friends Kenny MacAskill, Fergus Ewing, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh and John Bercow were all seen entering the church.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Newsline 
Credit: Newsline 
Credit: Newsline 'Loyal and supportive'
Mr MacAskill added that Mr Salmond’s time as a leader of the independence movement saw him being “demanding but fair”.
He said: said: “Throughout that journey he was demanding but fair.
"Those working for and with him expected to perform at their peak and give their all. He expected no less but gave no less himself.
“He was also extremely loyal and supportive. When mistakes were made, he would defend vigorously even if harsh words were said in private.
"The real mark of the man shown by the crowds lining every town and village highway, and byway on his final journey home.
“Others had a role and were delighted to play a part, but it was always him in command and it wasn’t without its challenges.”
Compared to Robert Burns
Referring to Robert Burns’ description of the “lad o’pairts” - a clever or talented person - Mr MacAskill said Mr Salmond was not “born with a silver spoon in his mouth”.
He said: “The elder son in a loving family. Growing up in a council house in Linlithgow, with his family part of the town's fabric, and where he was always delighted to say he came from.
“Proud to be a Black Bitch something which, in these politically correct times, has even seen an auld pub in Lithgae, renamed.
“But Alex saw the name, applying to those born in the town, as a badge of honour.
“Laughing at the pomposity of those with no knowledge of either history or community. The “unca guid” as the Bard would say.”
Compared to Robert Burns
Referring to Robert Burns’ description of the “lad o’pairts” - a clever or talented person - Mr MacAskill said Mr Salmond was not “born with a silver spoon in his mouth”.
He said: “The elder son in a loving family. Growing up in a council house in Linlithgow, with his family part of the town's fabric, and where he was always delighted to say he came from.
“Proud to be a Black Bitch something which, in these politically correct times, has even seen an auld pub in Lithgae, renamed.
“But Alex saw the name, applying to those born in the town, as a badge of honour.
“Laughing at the pomposity of those with no knowledge of either history or community. The “unca guid” as the Bard would say.”
'A true gentleman'
Mr MacAskill, who served as justice secretary under Mr Salmond and was one of the first senior SNP figures to defect to the Alba Party, also described the ex-Nats boss as a “cherished and loving husband, brother, uncle, friend to many and who many many more revered.”
He added: “A true gentleman, great with children and young people, fun in private with wit, humour and a fount of stories, regaling from world affairs to Scottish fitba’ and from Burns to Hollywood movies.”
'Farewell my friend'
Mr MacAskill added: “Terrorist attacks, international events and severe financial challenges all faced but all were overcome.
“The legacy he bequeathed is all around. From roads and bridges to rights such as free prescriptions and no tuition fees. That was him.
“So, farewell my friend when will we see your like again."
MacAskill delivers eulogy
Alex Salmond's friend and acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill likened the ex-SNP supremo to Robert Burns in a moving eulogy.
Paying tribute to Mr Salmond, he labelled him the “outstanding political figure in Scotland not just of his generation but for generations past and likely for generations to come.”
He said: “A giant of a man, the leader of our country, the leader of our movement.
“An inspiration, a political genius, an orator, debater and communicator without parallel.”
Credit: PA MacAskill delivers eulogy
Alex Salmond's friend and acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill likened the ex-SNP supremo to Robert Burns in a moving eulogy.
Paying tribute to Mr Salmond, he labelled him the “outstanding political figure in Scotland not just of his generation but for generations past and likely for generations to come.”
He said: “A giant of a man, the leader of our country, the leader of our movement.
“An inspiration, a political genius, an orator, debater and communicator without parallel.”
Credit: PA 'We have felt the grief of a nation'
Alex Salmond's niece Christina Hendry told the service that in the period since his death, "we have felt the grief of a nation, and beyond".
Speaking at the service at Strichen Parish Church, which was attended only by family and close friends, she added: "For everyone in this room we have felt the loss differently.
"Uncle Alex was an important person to many, but to us he was a husband, a brother, an uncle, a colleague and a dear friend."
Ex-Chief of Staff attending service
Alex Salmond's former Chief of Staff Geoff Aberdein arrived at Strichen Parish Church for the funeral.
Credit: PA
‘A giant of a man’ and ‘political genius’
Alex Salmond was hailed as a "giant of a man" and a "political genius" during an emotional eulogy at his funeral today.
Mr Salmond's friend and acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill likened the ex-SNP supremo to Robert Burns in a moving eulogy.
Paying tribute to Mr Salmond, he labelled him the “outstanding political figure in Scotland not just of his generation but for generations past and likely for generations to come.”
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Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh arrives
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh has arrived for Alex Salmond's funeral.
She wiped away a tear as she entered the church with her husband Zulfiqar Sheikh.
Alba and SNP figures among mourners
Also among the mourners attending the funeral are SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing, former SNP and Alba strategist Kirk Torrance, Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny, and Former SNP MSP and Alba staffer Jim Eadie.
Moira Salmond arrives at funeral
Alex Salmond's wife Moira has arrived at the church for her husband's funeral.