Getty ImagesFormer first minister Alex Salmond, who died on Saturday, will be flown back to Scotland on a specially chartered plane, paid for by a private individual.
STV News understands Mr Salmond’s body is expected to be flown into Aberdeen in the next few days, for a private family funeral.
The 69-year-old suffered a heart attack while having lunch with other delegates at a youth cultural and diplomatic event in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
Calls had been made for the RAF to step in to return his body to Scotland – a move usually only reserved for the Royal Family.
However, a decision for a private individual to cover the costs to repatriate Salmond’s body was made on Wednesday, with the flight expected to land in the country by Friday at the earliest.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The loss of a loved one is a difficult time for any family, made more complex when they have passed away overseas.
“Over the last few days the Scottish Government and UK Government have been engaging with Alex Salmond‘s family and working closely together in accordance with their wishes, to ensure the swift and dignified repatriation of the former first minister to Scotland.
“Having explored a number of options, the family have now made arrangements for this to take place with the support of a private citizen.
“The Scottish Government continues to engage with Mr Salmond‘s family, and we stand ready to offer further advice and support, should it be required.”
Political tributes made at Westminster
Tributes from across the political spectrum have been paid to the former first minister.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Salmond as a “monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics” during PMQs on Wednesday.
He added: “He leaves a lasting legacy, and I know that the deepest condolences of the whole house are with Moira, his family and his loved ones”.
His comments followed a minute’s applause at the Scotland v Portugal game at Hampden on Tuesday evening.
Salmond had led the SNP during the 1990s and then again from 2004 to 2014.
He oversaw a surge in SNP support from a minor party to the one that has governed Scotland since 2007.
He secured the deal with David Cameron on the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 in which 55% of the public voted to remain.
However, Mr Salmond resigned after the plebiscite and was succeeded by Nicola Sturgeon.
He made the decision to join and subsequently lead the Alba Party in 2021 until his death, whereby he was succeeded by acting leader Kenny MacAskill.
Acting Alba party leader Kenny MacAskill said: “The family of Alex Salmond would like to put on record their appreciation to the North Macedonian Government for expediting the necessary procedures to allow Alex’s body to be released. The family would also like to thank the UK and Scottish Governments for their endeavors to put in place the swift arrangements to bring Alex Salmond home to Scotland. The family are incredibly grateful for the support which is being provided by a private citizen to charter a private plane to allow Alex’s body to come home to Scotland.
“It brings a great deal of comfort to Moira and other members of the family to know that he will soon be home with them.
“The family have asked that their privacy be respected at this time and will be making an announcement in due course about the funeral arrangements and a memorial service to honour the life of Alex Salmond.”
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