A sea of bright colours flowed into Daldowie Crematorium on Friday as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to say goodbye to Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie. The 57-year-old SNP MSP, who died in March after a long illness, was remembered not just as a politician — but as a campaigner, a mother, a partner, and a woman deeply loved by her community.
Her coffin, draped in a Saltire, was carried by her partner and SNP depute leader Keith Brown, who told mourners: “Christina was loved — not just by us, but by the public. That’s rare. Maybe unique.”
“Human rights defender? Just say: Christina McKelvie”
In an emotional tribute, Brown offered both warmth and conviction as he remembered McKelvie’s life and legacy.
“I often think that producers of dictionaries could save themselves ink and time,” he said, “because under ‘human rights defender’, or ‘equality campaigner’, or ‘social justice campaigner’, they could just put ‘Christina McKelvie’.”
The service, held in the east chapel of the crematorium, was relayed outside via speakers to accommodate the large number of mourners in attendance.
Bagpipes played by SNP MSP Stuart McMillan — Holyrood’s parliamentary piper — led the hearse to the chapel. A period of solemnity gave way to moments of joy and colour, in keeping with the family’s request for mourners to wear bright clothing.
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon honoured that request, arriving in a bold flamingo-patterned shirt. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and Labour leader Anas Sarwar were also present.
A parliamentarian “of the finest nature”
News of McKelvie’s death in March drew cross-party tributes in Holyrood. Flags were lowered to half-mast, and a period of silence was observed in the Scottish Parliament chamber.
First Minister John Swinney had led tributes on the day of her passing, describing McKelvie as a “kind, loyal and fun-loving colleague” and “a parliamentarian of the highest motivation and the finest nature.”
“My party is aching at the news today,” Swinney said at the time. “Christina gave her all to make life better for others, which was always her motivation.”
From Easterhouse to Holyrood
Originally from Easterhouse in Glasgow, McKelvie’s path to politics began in social work. Before entering public office, she worked closely with vulnerable communities in Glasgow and was a dedicated trade unionist through Unison.
She was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 via the Central Scotland regional list and later won the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat in 2011 — holding it ever since.
McKelvie’s career in government included high-profile roles in equalities and, more recently, as minister for drugs and alcohol policy. She stepped back from ministerial duties in 2023 after revealing she was living with secondary breast cancer — a return of the disease she had previously beaten in 2021.
She continued working behind the scenes as long as her health allowed, and remained active in constituency matters until shortly before her death.
“Beloved mother, partner, and grandmother”
To those closest to her, McKelvie was more than her political résumé.
Keith Brown described her as a woman who “lit up every room she was in with her positivity and bright smile” and as a devoted mother-of-two and grandmother. Mourners echoed the sentiment, speaking of her boundless energy and infectious laughter.
A statement from her family, released ahead of the funeral, expressed thanks for the outpouring of love they’d received since her passing.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by those who have been in touch with us about Christina’s passing,” it read. “It’s been a comfort to know how much she meant to so many.”
Bright colours, bright spirit
The sight of mourners in vivid pinks, purples, and florals — in place of traditional dark funeral attire — underscored the tone McKelvie had always set. She was known for bringing energy and colour into serious spaces, whether discussing social justice or community resilience.
One attendee described the atmosphere outside the chapel as “peaceful, but with warmth.” Others stood quietly, heads bowed, listening to the service via speakers.
Notable Attendees:
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Nicola Sturgeon, Former First Minister
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Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister
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Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Culture
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Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP and piper
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Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour Leader
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Keith Brown, SNP depute leader and McKelvie’s partner
“They loved her”
It was a small moment — perhaps the most moving of the day — that carried the most weight.
“There are not many politicians here,” said Keith Brown, glancing out at the chapel, “I would say no politicians in here, that ever felt loved by the electorate. Christina did. They loved her.”
It was met with silence. Not out of doubt, but because it didn’t need embellishment. Everyone in that chapel — family, friends, political allies and opponents — seemed to understand the truth of it.
