Moira Salmond says the comments come from those “determined to damage” the former first minister’s reputation as she urged critics to “let Alex rest in peace”.
Salmond died suddenly of a heart attack last year at the age of 69.
(Image: Image from PA) Moira’s intervention comes following an interview in which Nicola Sturgeon said she stepped in “many times” when Alex Salmond was “really rough on people”.
A statement from Mrs Salmond was sent to the PA news agency by lawyers representing her.
It said: “In recent days, it has caused me and the wider family great distress to read the comments of those who seem determined to damage his reputation even in death.
“It is difficult for us to understand what motivates those interventions, especially when such comments are made in the knowledge that Alex cannot defend himself as he would certainly have done.
“Those attacking him must know that the law does not allow us, his family, to protect his reputation from being defamed now that he is gone.”
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The statement added: “Attacks by the living on the dead will seem to many as deeply unfair.
“My wish, and sincere hope, is that these attacks will now stop.
“I am therefore asking those involved to recognise that all they are doing is causing hurt and pain to his family.
“From this point on, please let Alex rest in peace.”
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Appearing on the BBC’s Sunday Show before the publication of Moira’s statement, current First Minister John Swinney was asked about Nicola’s comments on Alex’s behaviour.
Swinney said: “I think it’s pretty well documented that Alex could be quite brisk with people and sometimes we all witnessed that.
“And sometimes we all had to say look, that’s not on. And that’s the way it was.”
The SNP said it did not wish to comment in response to Mrs Salmond’s statement.
