Salmond got respectful send-off he deserved – Alba chairwoman

After joining the SNP, and news emerged about previous time she had spent with Scottish Labour, she responded: “I am not an opportunist, I want to work with whoever will deliver for Scotland.”

In a show of support for his new colleague, Salmond said his political opponents’ focus on her past party membership was “stuff and nonsense”.

The two families continue to support each other as arrangements are made for Salmond’s funeral.

“It’s very difficult for all of us,” said Ahmed-Sheikh. “Everyone who was close to Alex, knew Alex, worked with Alex because he was so much of everything to us.

“From my perspective it was the politics, it was business… it was absolutely everything.

“My comfort has come from my family and from Alex’s family, and as a very tight unit, we’re finding our way to get through this – and that’s what we shall do.”