THE Scottish Government has confirmed the First Minister will not attend Alex Salmond’s funeral on Tuesday.
A spokesperson said this was “in line with the wishes” of the former first minister’s family.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon is also not expected to attend.
Salmond died suddenly after suffering a heart attack on October 12 in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
His family funeral will take place this afternoon in Strichen Parish Church with Reverend Ian McEwan, a friend of the family, to conduct the service.
Eulogies will also be read by Salmond’s friend and colleague Kenny MacAskill, SNP MSP Fergus Ewing and his niece Christina Hendry.
When asked if Swinney would be attending the funeral, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “In line with the wishes of Mr Salmond’s family, the funeral is private.
“The thoughts of the First Minister and the Scottish Government remain with the family and friends of Mr Salmond.”
However, the SNP leader will pay tribute to Salmond on Wednesday with the Scottish Parliament expected to debate a motion of condolence.
McEwan led the funeral for Salmond’s father Robert in 2017 and saying Salmond was a “remarkable people person” who “cared about ordinary folk”.
He said he hoped to offer comfort to the family in what would be a “dignified and fitting tribute to his life” that is “shielded from the public gaze”.
“There’s a huge amount of distress and sadness around as you’d guess,” McEwan commented.
“They are an incredible family and just an inspiration to be with, even in such difficult circumstances as this.”
The former first minister (above) had been at a conference held by the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy when he had a heart attack during lunch with other delegates.
His body was repatriated to Scotland from North Macedonia on a private flight paid for by Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter.
