POIGNANT SEND OFF
Hundreds turn out for Alex Salmond’s memorial as The Proclaimers perform rousing anthem in tribute
Kenny MacAskill described Mr Salmond as a 'giant of a man'
THE Proclaimers expressed their "eternal gratitude" to late First Minister Alex Salmond before performing a rousing anthem in tribute to him at a memorial service today.
Hundreds of mourners, including friends, family and political allies gathered at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh for the emotional send-off.
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Crowds of independence supporters gathered outside the church on the Royal Mile with many waving saltires and some carrying pictures of the late leader.
Folk singer Dougie MacLean gave a rendition of his 1978 song Caledonia, and his performance was met with applause from the congregation gathered for the St Andrew’s Day service.
And the Reid brothers Craig and Charlie, who have long been supporters of an independent Scotland, performed their 1988 single, Cap in Hand, which became an anthem of the Scottish independence movement during the 2014 referendum.
Before the song was played twin Charlie said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did Alex, for our country.”
The pro-independence song was also met with applause.
Kenny MacAskill, the acting leader of the Alba Party said Alex Salmond “restored pride” in Scotland.
He added: "For it can’t be said often enough, the greatness of the man, and what a loss he is to our nation. And it will be repeated down through the years and for generations to come, such has been his impact, and such is his legacy.
"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.
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"At ease on any national or international stage, whether with monarchs or political leaders, business or trade union, media or other professions. Never overawed and more often outshining all."
Alex Salmond's coffin arrives at Strichen church for his funeral
Mr MacAskill later said those who share Mr Salmond’s dream of an independent Scotland “must conclude that journey” and “pledge to deliver his dream”.
His former lawyer and adviser Duncan Hamilton KC said:
“History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance, but also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence.”
Mr Salmond’s niece Christina Hendry - daughter of his sister Gail - said the world would be a much quieter place for relatives, the politician’s wife Moira, who was surrounded by loved-ones at the service, “and for Scotland”.
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She added: “To the world, he was a political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner. To us he was a dearly loved husband, brother and uncle.”
SNP MSP Fergus Ewing read from The Wild Geese by Violet Jacob and Conservative MP Sir David Davis, who shared a friendship with Mr Salmond, gave a Bible reading.
Sheena Wellington led a rendition of A Man’s A Man For A That, the Robert Burns song she sang at the 1999 opening of the Scottish parliament.
Fiddle player Alasdair Fraser joined cellist Natalie Haas to perform Theme for Scotland and The Referendum.
Former First Minister Henry McLeish was also there and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was tearful during the service.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay attended.
Comedian and actress Elaine C. Smith was also there.
At the end of the service a piper Hamish Moore, led the congregation, playing Farewell to the Creeks and the Jacobite song Bonnie Dundee.
Crowds gathered outside St Giles’ chanted the late politician’s first name as mourners - including current First Minister John Swinney and deputy First Minister Kate Forbes - exited the cathedral.
Mr Salmond was laid to rest in a private family funeral near his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, last month, following his sudden death at the age of 69 in North Macedonia.
The former SNP leader, who went on to set up the Alba Party, had been speaking at a conference when he suffered a heart attack.
The service in front of 500 guests was streamed live and officiated by the Rev Dr George J Whyte.
First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar all attended the service at St Giles' Cathedral in the Scottish capital.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown also attended.
The service was conducted by the Reverend George Whyte, with readings and tributes from Mr Salmond's lifelong friend and Alba Party acting leader Kenny MacAskill, long-time political ally Fergus Ewing, and close friend and Conservative MP Sir David Davis.
His niece Christina Hendry also paid tribute to the late former first minister.
Musician Dougie MacLean sang the Scottish anthem Caledonia, while The Proclaimers also performed pro-independence song Cap In Hand.
A statement from Mr Salmond's family said ahead of the service: "As we prepare to pay tribute to Alex, we wish to thank everyone who has contacted us over the last few weeks to express their condolences. It has meant the world to the entire family.
"Please be aware that the memorial is at capacity. Only guests who are registered can be permitted entry, and for security purposes photo ID must be presented.
"For those many who can't join us in person, the BBC, Sky News and STV News have an agreement to share resources to cover the memorial.
"The BBC will stream live coverage of the service from 10.30am on both the BBC News website within a live page, and as a separate stream on the BBC iPlayer."
Mr Salmond took office in 2007, before going on to win a majority in 2011 and securing the independence referendum three years later.
Alex Salmond's coffin arrives at Strichen church for his funeral
Despite losing the vote and subsequently quitting as first minister, Mr Salmond continued in politics, sitting as an SNP MSP between 2015 and 2017, then standing for the upstart Alba Party at the 2021 Holyrood election after a rift between himself and successor Nicola Sturgeon saw him leave the party for good.
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Mr Salmond was at a conference in North Macedonia when he suffered a heart attack, with his body repatriated with the help of businessman Sir Tom Hunter.
He was buried in a private family ceremony near his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, on October 29.
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