THANKS FOR RESTORING OUR PRIDE IN SCOTLAND

Mourners at intimate service hear of gifts that helped him take country close to independence 10 years ago

- CHRIS MCCALL & RYAN CARROLL

ALEX Salmond was praised for restoring "pride in our nation" yesterday as he was laid to rest following a private ceremony in his home village.

The veteran politician, who twice led the SNP and was first minister between 2007 and 2014, helped redraw the Scottish political map during a 40-year career.

He suffered a heart attack during a conference in North Macedonia and died on October 12, aged 69.

Mourners gathered at the small funeral service at Strichen Parish Church, in Aberdeenshire, near the home the politician shared with his wife, Moira.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Ian McEwan and eulogies were given by Kenny MacAskill, the acting leader of Salmond's Alba Party, family friend and SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, and by Christina Hendry, daughter of Salmond's sister Gail Hendry.

Media gathered outside the church as mourners, including ex-SNP MP Joanna Cherry and Salmond's friend Tasmina AhmedSheikh, arrived in the sunshine.