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Salmond memorial to be held on St Andrew's Day

Getty Images Alex Salmond wears a dark suit with a lilac shirt and a patterned black and purple tie. He stands in front of a saltire.Getty Images
Alex Salmond died in October after he had a heart attack

A public memorial service for former first minister Alex Salmond will be held in Edinburgh on St Andrew's Day.

His family said the service at St Giles' Cathedral on 30 November would allow people to say goodbye and reflect on his life.

The 69-year-old died suddenly last month after having a heart attack while attending a conference in North Macedonia.

He was laid to rest in a private family funeral near his home in Aberdeenshire.

The memorial event is invitation only, with invites being sent out this week.

BBC Scotland News understands that about 400 people will be invited.

First Minister John Swinney is expected to attend, alongside representatives from the main political parties in Scotland and the UK government.

Mr Swinney previously led tributes to Salmond in Holyrood, saying the former first minister had left an indelible mark on public life during his political career.

Overseas representatives are also expected to be invited - including the North Macedonia government, which facilitated arrangements for Salmond's body to be returned to Scotland.

Figures from the arts, culture and business sectors are also expected to be there.

PA Media Mourners leaving after the funeral service for former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond, at Strichen Parish Church in Strichen, Fraserburgh.PA Media
A private funeral for family and friends was held in Strichen, Fraserburgh

Salmond was laid to rest two weeks ago in a private burial following a service at Strichen Parish Church attended by family and close friends.

His wife Moira, sisters Margaret and Gail, brother Bob and his nieces and nephews described him as "a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend".

Political figures at the funeral included former SNP MPs Jim Sillars, Joanna Cherry and Eilidh Whiteford, as well as ex-Commons speaker John Bercow.

Salmond was Scotland's first minister until 2014.

He stepped down in the immediate aftermath of the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, which the Yes side lost with 45% of the vote.

After quitting the SNP, Salmond set up the alternative independence-supporting party, Alba.

A Scottish government spokesman said: “The Scottish government is awaiting formal details about the memorial service.

“The thoughts of the first minister and the Scottish government remain with Mr Salmond’s family and friends.”