Glasgow comedian Elaine C Smith attends memorial for former First Minister Alex Salmond

Glasgow comedian Elaine C Smith was pictured attending the memorial service of former First Minister Alex Salmond at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Joining her were leading politicians from across the spectrum including Scottish Labour leader and Glasgow Central MSP Anas Sarwar, current First Minister John Swinney and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Alex Salmond died of a heart attack aged 69 while he was in North Macedonia in October this year. His body was buried in is home town of Strichen in Aberdeenshire on October 29.

READ MORE: Gangland attack on Glasgow Daniels hit man took place on day of attempted murder trial

READ MORE: Rutherglen Rangers bar and Merchant city pub sold amid re-development plan

Tributes at the memorial service were paid by lifelong friend and Alba Party acting leader Kenny MacAskill, as well as political ally Fergus Ewing, and close friend and Conservative MP Sir David Davis.

Mr Salmond took office while SNP leader in 2007, before leading the SNP to a majority in 2011. He then secured an independence referendum three years later.

Despite losing out on the vote and quitting as First Minister, he continued his political career, sitting as an SNP MSP between 2015 and 2017.

Following a feud between himself and his successor Nicola Sturgeon, he left the SNP and formed the Alba Party and stood for them at the 2021 Scottish election.

Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox