Sir Tom Hunter funding repatriation of Alex Salmond's body to Scotland

Businessman Sir Tom Hunter has confirmed he paid for the chartered flight which will return Alex Salmond’s body to Scotland on Friday.

The former first minister of Scotland died aged 69 after suffering a heart attack in the city of Ohrid, North Macedonia, on Saturday, where he was attending a conference.

Sir Toms said: “Whilst he and I disagreed on some of his ambitions, Alex Salmond devoted his life to Scotland and the Scottish people and as such he, and importantly his family, deserved the dignity and privacy of a private return to the home of his birth.

“Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this time. To be clear, I remain resolutely apolitical.”

He paid for the flight personally and not through philanthropic body, The Hunter Foundation, which he founded.

A book of condolence in memory of Alex Salmond has been opened at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh PA Media

The flight is due to take off at about 11am on Friday, landing in Aberdeen at about 1.45pm.

The former first minister’s family, along with Alba Party acting leader Kenny MacAskill, will be there to receive the coffin, which will then be taken by hearse to the family home.

Tory MP and friend of the former SNP leader, Sir David Davis, had pushed for the RAF to be used to bring his body back.

The Alba Party, which Mr Salmond formed in 2021 and which he led until his death, confirmed on Wednesday a private citizen had stepped in to pay for a chartered flight but did not name the person involved.

Mr MacAskill, said: “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.”

Mr MacAskill also expressed the Salmond family’s appreciation to the North Macedonian Government, for “expediting” the process of releasing Mr Salmond’s body and the Scottish and UK Governments for their work in securing his repatriation.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it is prepared to offer further help if necessary.

“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,” a statement said.

“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.”