Alex Salmond memorial chaos as SNP’s John Swinney booed by mourners | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Scottish First Minister John Swinney was booed and referred to as a “traitor” by a crowd gathered at a memorial service for former SNP and Alba chief Alex Salmond.

Mr Swinney was making his method into St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh when he was shouted at by onlookers, together with one one who mentioned: “Shame on you.”

Relations between Mr Salmond and senior SNP figures, together with Mr Swinney and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, soured earlier than he left the celebration in 2018.

Mr Salmond was within the means of taking authorized motion towards the Scottish Government earlier than he died in October after struggling a coronary heart assault.

Crowds of individuals gathered close to the memorial service with Scottish flags being flown by many.

Other high-profile attendees included former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and Scottish Labour chief Anas Sarwar.

Ms Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, First Minister from March 2023 to May 2024, didn’t attend.

Kenny MacAskill, now appearing chief of Alba, the celebration that Mr Salmond additionally led earlier than his demise, paid tribute to his late colleague.

Speaking on the service, he mentioned Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”, “an inspiration, a political genius” and “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul.”

Scottish duo the Proclaimers sang the pro-Scottish independence tune Cap In Hand.

Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid mentioned: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.”

Those in attendance later sang Flower of Scotland whereas crowds chanted: “Alex, Alex.”