In pictures: Alex Salmond's friends and family gather for funeral in Strichen

THE friends and family of former first minister Alex Salmond have gathered for his funeral in Strichen.

Draped in a Saltire and welcomed by a piper, the former first minister’s coffin was taken into Strichen Parish Church just before midday on Tuesday, October 29.

Pall bearers carry the coffin into the funeral service (Image: PA)Mourners arrive for the funeral service (Image: PA) A number of people attended the funeral including former SNP MP Joanna Cherry, SNP MSP Fergus Ewing and former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.

Former MSP Alex Neil was also in attendance with acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill delivering a eulogy for Mr Salmond.

Joanna Cherry attended Alex Salmond's funeral (Image: PA)Alba Party members MSP for Edinburgh Eastern Ash Regan and  general secretary Chris McEleny (Image: PA) MSP for Inverness and Nairn Fergus Ewing, arrives with his sister Annabelle Ewing (second left) (Image: PA) MacAskill hailed Salmond as a “giant of a man, the leader of our country and the leader of our movement”.John Bercow (centre), arrives for the funeral service (Image: PA) Alex Salmond's widow Moira (left) at the funeral for Mr Salmond (Image: PA) He also described him as an “inspiration, a political genius, an orator, debater and communicator without parallel”.

A man holds the order of service (Image: PA) Jim Sillars was among those in attendance (Image: PA) After the funeral, piper Fergus Mutch, who previously worked for Salmond, led a procession to the cemetery at Strichen for a private service.

A public memorial to remember Salmond will be held at a later date while tributes will also be paid to him in Holyrood on Wednesday, when a motion of condolence is expected to be held.