Getty ImagesThe body of Alex Salmond is ready to be returned to Scotland, officials have said.
The former first minister died after suffering a heart attack in North Macedonia on Saturday.
The 69-year-old was taking part in a youth cultural and diplomatic event in the city of Ohrid.
It’s understood that the North Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is waiting for the go-ahead for a flight, which will likely have to be approved by the Scottish Government.
While nothing has been publicly confirmed, both governments say they are working together to ensure support for Salmond’s family.
The family visited the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday to see a book of condolences. They said they appreciated all the messages and were pleased there would be a minute’s applause at Hampden Stadium ahead of tonight’s Scotland v Portugal match.
Salmond was a regular member of the Tartan Army and travelled to Germany this summer to support the team at the Euros.
An announcement from the Scottish Government about plans to charter a flight to speed up the repatriation process and get the former first minister’s body back to Aberdeen for a private family funeral is expected on Wednesday.
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