THE date of Alex Salmond's private funeral has been confirmed.
The former first minister, who led the Scottish Government from 2007 until 2014, died aged 69 on Saturday 12, while attending a conference in the city of Ohrid, North Macedonia.
It has been confirmed the funeral will take place on Tuesday, October 29.
A service for close friends and family is to be held near his home at Strichen Parish Church.
Reverend Ian McEwan will conduct the service before a private burial at Strichen cemetery.
A more public memorial service is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
There have been reports that a bigger and more public memorial could be organised around St Andrew’s Day or another of the winter holidays in Scotland.
We previously told how members of the Scottish Resistance have invited the public to join them at a vigil for Salmond in Glasgow on November 30.
Upon arriving back in Scotland on Friday 18, Salmond was met by his family, including his wife, Moira, and acting leader of the Alba, Kenny MacAskill.
They greeted the coffin as a piper played Freedom Come All Ye.
MacAskill said Salmond’s friends and relatives had been touched by the public reception to a cortege, led by the Yes Bikers, on Friday.
“Moira was remarkably heartened by the turnout of people in the towns and villages on the route from the airport, on the streets, on the roads, and in lay-bys where they paid their respects."
