Mourners to gather for Alex Salmond’s memorial service

Salmond was Scotland’s first minister from 2007 to 2014. He resigned after the Yes campaign lost the Scottish independence referendum.

He resigned from the SNP following allegations of sexual harassment. These later formed the basis of his criminal trial and he was eventually acquitted of all charges.

Salmond went on to found the alternative party Alba, which supports independence. He also hosted a talk show on Russian-owned television channel RT.

His nephew spoke Friday about the family’s pride in his uncle and said they are still trying to get over his sudden death.

Christina Hendry said her family was “doing well” and that “Uncle Alex did what he told us to do and moved on.”

Between bringing his body home and arranging the funeral and memorial service, there was a lot to plan, she said.

“I’m not sure there’s time to truly process things and fully grieve, but we’re sticking together as a family, staying close together and moving on,” she said.

“I think it’s really hard for anyone and every family to lose a loved one. It was especially hard because of where he died and also how high profile he was, and I think that came with its challenges as well.”

“There’s no escape. There’s a lot of media coverage as well, and I’m not sure we’re really given the time to figure things out on our own as a family,” she added.

You can watch the Remembrance Service live from St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on the BBC News website and BBC iPlayer from 10.30am on Saturday 30 November.