A CONVOY has been organised to sign Alex Salmond’s book of condolences in Edinburgh.
The book was opened at the Scottish Parliament to allow people to pay their respects to the former first minister.
His death sent shockwaves across Scotland and across the world after he died suddenly aged 69 from a suspected heart attack earlier this month while attending a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
His body was returned to Scotland last week ahead of a private funeral on Tuesday next week.
Now, the Alba Party have organised a convoy to travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh to sign the book of condolences and pay their respects.
Those who wish to join have been invited to decorate their cars with Saltires and pictures of Salmond.
The initial meeting time and place has been set for 10:30am for a 10:45am departure from Glasgow Green on Saturday (October 26) – parking as near as possible to the Dalton Fountain, which is close to the People’s Palace.
A full outline of the plan was released by Alba:
1. On this Saturday 27th October, Please meet at 10:30am for a 10:45am departure from Glasgow Green, parking as near as possible to the Dalton Fountain, and in front-ish of the Peoples Palace.
2. If necessary, we may then head for the Showcase Cinema carpark at Coatbridge to pick up anyone else who wants to join up. Departure from this location at 11:30am latest.
3. Depending on numbers of cars, we will take the A road route or the Motorway. Journey time should be between about an hour and 1 & 1/2 hours dependent on route & traffic conditions. (We won’t be going fast).
4. We will take a route endeavouring to avoid the LEZ in Edinburgh, but cannot completely guarantee that.
5. We will park in or near Holyrood Park.
6. Depending on numbers we will have a picnic or find places to eat before heading back to Glasgow either still in convoy or as people choose.
The organisers added: “Please note, the Scottish Parliament bans visitors from displaying any Saltire’s or political statements. I’m sure our views on that little known fact are completely unprintable, but this is their policy & security enforces it.
“We hope this small tribute will join with the many deserved of the great man.
“We hope you will join us. You will be most welcome.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here