Alex Salmond's body to be returned to Scotland on flight funded by private individual after RAF request rejected

Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, died at the age of 69 after suffering a heart attack in North Macedonia on Saturday while attending a conference.

Although Tory MP Sir David Davis had lobbied for the RAF to transport his body from the city of Ohrid, it has been reported that a private flight, paid for by an unnamed benefactor, will return him to his hometown.

The flight is expected to land in Aberdeen, though no timeline for the repatriation has been officially released.

Kenny MacAskill, acting leader of the Alba Party, which Salmond had led since 2021, 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.” MacAskill also thanked the North Macedonian Government for expediting the process, as well as the Scottish and UK governments for their support.

The Scottish Government has indicated that they remain ready to provide further assistance if needed. A public memorial service for Salmond is expected, with details yet to be confirmed, as tributes to the former SNP leader continue to pour in, including from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Tory leader Rishi Sunak, and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.