Alex Salmond funeral LIVE as close friends and family pay respect to former First Minister

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Friends and family of Alex Salmond gathered in north-east Scotland today as the former first minister was laid to rest. The veteran politician, who twice led the SNP and helped redraw the Scottish political map during a 40-year career, died suddenly earlier this month from a heart attack aged 69.

Mourners were in attendance at a private funeral service at Strichen Parish Church, which began at 1pm, conducted by the Rev.

Ian McEwan. Eulogies will be given by Kenny MacAskill, the acting Alba Party leader, family friend and SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, and by Christina Hendry, daughter of Salmond's sister Gail Hendry.

A larger public memorial service is expected to take place later in the year. Read below for updates on the day's proceedings.Alex Salmond has been laid to rest following an emotional private ceremony in his home village.The veteran politician, who helped redraw the Scottish political map during a 40-year career, died suddenly earlier this month from a heart attack aged 69.On Tuesday afternoon, mourners gathered at the small funeral service near his home at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire.Read our coverage of the funeral service hereAlex Salmond's wife Moira Salmond and family members watch as his coffin draped with a Saltire flag leaves his funeral Piper Fergus Mutch was seen leading the funeral procession as the hearse carrying Alex Salmond's body made it's way down the High Street.