Alex Salmond’s body to be repatriated by private charter

Alex Salmond’s body is to be repatriated by a private charter plane, his family has revealed. 

The flight cost from North Macedonia to Aberdeen will be paid by a private individual.  

The former first minister died on Saturday from a heart attack shortly after he gave a speech in the Balkan country.  

Tory MP and close friend of Salmond, Sir David Davis, led calls for the RAF to return his body from the city of Ohrid.  

Over the past few days, the Scottish and UK governments have “been engaging with Alex Salmond’s family and working closely together in accordance with their wishes”.  

The Scottish Government said it explored “a number of options” before the family made the arrangements with a private citizen.  

Details of the repatriation have yet to be publicly announced. 

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 endeavours 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.” 

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.”