Linlithgow Rose tribute at Alex Salmond's father's funeral

MOURNERS gathered yesterday to pay tribute to the father of former First Minister Alex Salmond.
Alex Samond pictured with his father Robert in 2014. Picture: PAAlex Samond pictured with his father Robert in 2014. Picture: PA
Alex Samond pictured with his father Robert in 2014. Picture: PA

Father of four Robert Fyfe Findlay Salmond passed away on 5 June at the age of 95.

In a heartfelt eulogy at St Ninian’s Craigmailen Church in Linlithgow, Alex Salmond touched on his father’s military service, love of football, and his passion for the Scottish National Party.

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A number of the 150 people in attendance then proceeded to pay tribute by singing a song associated with Scottish Junior side Linlithgow Rose.

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“He would have loved that,” said Mr Salmond, “our Dad was like a stick of rock; Lithgae through and through”.

Derek Mackay, Alex Neil, Fiona Hyslop and Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, were among friends of colleagues of Mr Salmond present at the service.

SNP Head of Communications, Fergus Mutch, was enlisted to play the bagpipes.

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Born in Linlithgow in 1921, Mr Salmond served during the Second World War and became a petty officer in the Royal Navy.

After the war he became a civil servant, working for the Ministry of Pensions and helping ill and injured miners get compensation.

Robert Salmond died last week at the Royal Erskine Home for ex-servicemen.

He is survived by his children, Margaret, Alex, Gail and Bob, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr Salmond’s wife, Mary, sadly passed away in 2003 after collapsing while walking in the Highlands.