Nicola Sturgeon skips Salmond memorial for Godley funeral

In Scotland, on November 30, 2024, Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister, made headlines by deciding not to attend the memorial service for her former friend and mentor, Alex Salmond. Instead, she opted to be present at the funeral of comedian Janey Godley, who passed away on November 2 after battling terminal cancer. This decision reflects the complicated relationship Sturgeon had with Salmond. Their friendship deteriorated significantly over the past few years, primarily due to investigations regarding Salmond's conduct during his tenure as First Minister and the subsequent legal battles that ensued. The memorial service for Alex Salmond was held at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, where several prominent figures, including the current First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, were expected to attend. Salmond, once a leader of the Scottish National Party, has had a controversial legacy, marked by his successful judicial review where the Courts found the Scottish Government's investigation into misconduct allegations against him unlawful. This ruling, coupled with his acquittal of sexual assault charges, has left a significant mark on Scottish politics. For Sturgeon, this decision is a continuation of her approach following Salmond’s controversial past. Only a month ago, she chose not to participate in a motion of condolence in the Scottish parliament, allowing for a private remembrance of Salmond while acknowledging his family’s grief. A close source indicated that she intends to keep her memories of Salmond personal, which adds a layer of complexity to her public persona and relationships within the Scottish political landscape. As for the memorial itself, Salmond’s family aimed to celebrate his contributions to Scottish culture and arts through performances by notable musicians like Dougie MacLean and The Proclaimers, as well as personal tributes from key figures in Scottish politics and advocacy. These efforts highlight the impact Salmond has had on both the arts and Scottish nationalism, even as his personal relationships were fracturing. Christina Hendry, Salmond’s niece, emphasized the family's struggle to process his passing, affirming their pride in his accomplishments while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the moment.