It was & is also the right of the general public stood outside to show and voice their feelings. Whether you agree with them or not, they have that right. None of *us know exactly why John Swinney was invited to attend the actual service but it is likely that it was because those closest to Alex felt that inviting the present FM of our nation was the correct thing to do from a purely procedural/official point of view, and in that case what Alex would have wanted.. I have absolutely no doubt that all of Alex's nearest and dearest - AND John Swinney - were fully aware that if Swinney accepted the invitation that at least some of people who gathered outside St Giles to show their respect and admiration for Alex Salmond and support for his family and friends would also let Mr Swinney know how they felt about *him. So, they did. John Swinney made the choice to attend. If he was truly unaware that there was a liklihood of him getting the reception he got from some of the voting public outwith St Giles, then he is indeed a fool.

@@susandavorn3249 It wasn't the general public they know how to conduct themselves at a public memorial service being televised, it was a small angry group of political party activists however, as you state it was their right to embarrass themselves and lose support for Alba, self defeating idiocy IMO as it is my right to call it out Its none of your business why John Swinney was attending you don't own Alex Salmond, it wasn't your "right" to decide the guest list, forgiveness is a wonderful gift many funerals/memorials see acts of reunion, none us of can know the emotions of those who once worked closely over 30 years with Alex Salmond attending a memorial service, clearly given Alex Salmond stature as a prominent Scottish public figure and previous position as First Minster of Scotland it was fitting that John Swinney paid his respects on behalf of the Scottish Govt and I'm sure on a personal capacity, he was attending with his wife who has MS As you say I agree that those close to Alex Salmond and the members of Alba party have negative views to say the least about John Swinney, and John Swinney would have been aware, however, it was a memorial service for goodness sake it was not the time or place to voice those opinions, would Alex himself would have wanted what occurred outside ? Kenny MacAskill made a fine passionate speech on behalf of his lifelong friend and political ally, overall the service was well done a fitting memorial, it was dreadful a minority couldn't behave with respect and decency outside

Ask those relatives of the Lockerbie bombing victims who the traitor is .!!!! Please don’t forget what this spineless bastard did to those relatives!! 🙏

Ducan and Joannah Cherry would be a winner