Alex Salmond: Body of former first minister returns home to Scotland

Alex Salmond’s body has returned home to Scotland after businessman Sir Tom Hunter paid for the charter flight to repatriate the former first minister.

Mr Salmond died from a heart attack on Saturday at the age of 69 during a conference trip to the lake resort of Ohrid in North Macedonia.

The late Alba Party leader had earlier delivered a speech before collapsing in a crowded room during lunch.

Close friend and Conservative MP Sir David Davis had led calls for the RAF to be used to bring Mr Salmond’s body home, but in the end, a private flight to Aberdeen Airport was chartered and paid for by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.

Sir Tom said he remained “resolutely apolitical”, explaining: “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.”

Kenny MacAskill, acting leader of the Alba Party, previously said Mr Salmond’s family were “incredibly grateful” for the support.

The North Macedonian, Scottish and UK governments were also thanked for their help in the process.

Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

He stepped down from both roles following the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Salmond went on to launch the Alba Party in 2021 in his continued campaign for independence.

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The King led tributes to Mr Salmond following his sudden death.

In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, the King said he and the Queen were “greatly saddened”.

A book of condolence has opened at the Scottish parliament for visitors to leave messages that will be sent to Mr Salmond’s family.

Scotland’s national men’s football team also held a minute’s applause before their Nations League match against Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday.

And at Westminster on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Mr Salmond as a “monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics”, who left a “lasting legacy”.

Both Tory leader Rishi Sunak and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also paid tribute in the Commons.