UPDATED NEWS; While at the Alex Salmond memorial, John Swinney was jeered and called a “traitor.”

**John Swinney Jeered at Alex Salmond Memorial: A Tense Moment Amid Tributes**

What was intended to be a solemn and respectful event honoring Alex Salmond turned tense when Scotland’s former Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, faced jeers and accusations of being a “traitor.” The incident unfolded during a memorial gathering that brought together political figures, supporters, and the public to commemorate the life and contributions of the former First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Swinney, a stalwart of Scottish politics and a key figure in the SNP for decades, had arrived at the event to pay tribute to Salmond’s legacy. However, his presence was met with hostility from a vocal section of the crowd. As he took the stage to deliver his remarks, boos erupted, and some attendees shouted accusations, including labeling him a “traitor.” The jeering momentarily disrupted the proceedings, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a unifying occasion.

The tension appeared to stem from lingering divisions within the pro-independence movement in Scotland. Salmond, who led the SNP from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014, was a pivotal figure in the push for Scottish independence, culminating in the 2014 referendum. However, his later split with the SNP—following his resignation as First Minister and subsequent legal battles—created fractures within the movement. Salmond’s establishment of the rival Alba Party further deepened these divisions, and some of his staunchest supporters have since been critical of the SNP’s current leadership, including Swinney.

Swinney’s perceived loyalty to Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond’s successor, and his role in the SNP’s handling of internal disputes have made him a target for criticism from certain factions. For those shouting “traitor” at the memorial, the label likely reflected frustrations over what they view as a betrayal of Salmond or the broader independence cause.

Despite the hostility, Swinney maintained his composure and proceeded with his speech, emphasizing Salmond’s achievements and contributions to Scotland. “Alex Salmond dedicated his life to the cause of Scottish independence and to serving the people of Scotland,” Swinney stated. “His vision and leadership inspired a nation, and his legacy will endure.” His remarks were met with applause from the majority of attendees, though the earlier disruption highlighted the challenges of bridging divides within the movement.

Political analysts have pointed to the incident as a reflection of the deep-seated tensions within Scotland’s independence movement. While Salmond’s contributions are universally recognized, the path forward for achieving independence remains a contentious issue, with disagreements over strategy and leadership creating rifts among supporters.

Following the memorial, Swinney addressed the incident in a brief statement, expressing disappointment over the disruptions but reiterating his respect for Salmond. “Today was about honoring Alex Salmond’s extraordinary contributions to Scotland,” he said. “I regret that some chose to detract from that purpose, but I remain focused on the shared goal of independence.”

The incident at the memorial underscores the complexities facing Scotland’s pro-independence movement as it seeks to navigate internal divisions while keeping the broader vision alive. For now, the focus remains on celebrating Salmond’s legacy, even as questions linger about the movement’s unity and direction.