A memorial service will take place for former First Minister Alex Salmond in Edinburgh on Saturday.
The life and achievements of the one-time SNP leader will be celebrated at St Giles Cathedral by his friends, colleagues and supporters, with musical interludes from high-profile bands and singers.
The 69-year-old Alba leader died suddenly in North Macedonia on October 12. He had been speaking at a conference in the country when he suffered a heart attack.
First Minister John Swinney is expected to attend, but it is unlikely Nicola Sturgeon will be present as she is expected to take part in a memorial service the same day for her friend Janey Godley.
Here’s what is happening in Edinburgh for Mr Salmond’s send-off:
The memorial service will be held at St Giles Cathedral on Saturday at 11am.
It is purely a celebration of Mr Salmond’s life. He has already been laid to rest at a private family funeral near his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, on 29 October.
The service will be conducted by the Reverend Dr George J Whyte, a former principal clerk to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland and chaplain to the King.
READ MORE:
- Sturgeon stays away as Holyrood pays tribute to Salmond
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Who will be speaking?
There will be readings from David Davis, the Tory MP and close friend of Mr Salmond.
Alba’s acting leader Kenny MacAskill, Mr Salmond’s niece Christina Hendry and the former SNP MSP Duncan Hamilton KC will all pay personal tribute during the hour-long service.
SNP MSP Fergus Ewing will read from The Wild Geese by Violet Jacob.
The Proclaimers are to perform their pro-independence song Cap In Hand, and will be joined at the event by singer Dougie MacLean.
Sheena Wellington, the traditional singer who sang A Man's A Man For A' That at the opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, will also perform.
At the conclusion of the service, a piper will lead the congregation from the cathedral, playing Farewell to the Creeks and Jacobite song Bonnie Dundee.
Can the public watch?
The service is not open to the public, but will be streamed live on the BBC and ITV.
What has his family said?
A statement from Mr Salmond's family earlier this month said: "The family are overwhelmed by the level of public interest in attending Alex's memorial service.
"Sadly, we cannot accommodate everyone who would like to attend but are pleased to say that the event will be live-streamed from St Giles' Cathedral, with the service scheduled to begin at 11am on Saturday, November 30."
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