Christina Hendry, the niece of former First Minister Alex Salmond, is making a bid to become an Alba Party candidate in the 2026 Holyrood election. Hendry hopes to secure the party nomination for Banff and Buchan, an area that was previously represented by Salmond for thirty years. The former SNP leader had planned to contest the constituency in 2026 before his sudden passing in October at the age of 69.
Hendry paid tribute to her late uncle at his official memorial service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, recalling fond memories of him. She expressed being deeply moved by the support shown as Salmond’s coffin was taken from Aberdeen Airport to Fraserburgh, emphasising his love for the people of Aberdeenshire. Hendry mentioned that she carries both independence and Salmond’s legacy in her veins, aiming to honour his name through her candidacy.
Born in Peterhead and raised in the north-east before moving to the Borders, Hendry highlighted the significance of the region to her. Having been involved in the 2014 independence referendum and the Scottish Youth Parliament as a teenager, the 29-year-old shared that she has always sought a reason to return to the north-east. Hendry, a qualified child psychologist, expressed her belief that Salmond would be proud of her decision to stand for office, citing his support and pride in her achievements.
Local Alba Party members will ultimately decide if Hendry becomes their candidate for Banff and Buchan. Despite Alba’s lack of success in previous elections, Hendry remains determined to represent the area and uphold her uncle’s legacy through her political aspirations.
In summary, Christina Hendry, niece of the late Alex Salmond, is seeking to follow in her uncle’s footsteps and become an Alba Party candidate in the 2026 Holyrood election. With a background in psychology and a passion for her roots in the north-east, Hendry aims to continue Salmond’s legacy in representing the people of Banff and Buchan.