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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

'Let's make it happen': Village hopes to rename street after Alex Salmond

NEIGHBOURS of Alex Salmond and his wife are hoping to name a street after the former first minister following his passing.

Strichen, in Aberdeenshire, was the home of Salmond after he moved into a converted mill with his wife Moria several years ago.

Locals have been discussing the best way to honour Salmond after he died suddenly in North Macedonia on Saturday, October 12.

In a Facebook group for local residents, Kirstie Winter posted a message asking for suggestions on how to honour Salmond, with the idea of renaming a stretch of road after him being "the most popular idea by far".

A poll has now been created with more 430 votes already cast. 

Options include "Alex Salmond Drive" and "Salmond Walk", however Alex Salmond Way has more than 70% of the vote.

Winter said: "I personally like 'Alex Salmond Way' as it can be read two ways, as a street name, but also a reflection of his qualities."

Residents are also considering lighting up the town hall with a Saltire projection on the evening of the funeral, renaming the lake area, renaming the football park, or erecting a statue of Salmond.

Despite the popular idea, residents are expected to make any decision in the next few weeks to provide privacy for the family.

Any change to the street name would have to be approved by Aberdeenshire Council once an application was launched.

The former first minister died suddenly on Saturday, aged 69. On Monday evening, a post-mortem examination confirmed Salmond’s cause of death as a heart attack.

Salmond had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the city of Ohrid before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.

The North Macedonian ministry of foreign affairs said the "technical work" of repatriation had been concluded, and they were "waiting for information regarding the departure time from the Scottish side".

There have been calls for the Scottish and UK Governments to repatriate the body.

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