Alex Salmond's body arrives back home in Scotland

ALEX Salmond’s body has arrived back home in Scotland.

The flight carrying the former first minister, which was chartered by millionaire Tom Hunter, landed at Aberdeen Airport.

Alex Salmond's coffin, draped in a saltire, was welcomed by members of his family (below), a piper and acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill and then placed in a hearse.

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

A cortege then left Aberdeen Airport led by a group of Yes Bikers. 

Salmond’s wife Moira invited anyone wishing to welcome her late husband home to “join him on one last journey” and pay their respects. 

Salmond, who led Scotland from 2007 until resigning after the independence referendum in 2014, died suddenly last Saturday after suffering a heart attack at an event in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Now, the former SNP and Alba leader has returned close to his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, and the seats he represented at both Westminster and Holyrood.

Salmond’s wife Moira has also invited anyone wishing to welcome her late husband home to “join him on one last journey” and pay their respects.

Plans are being put in place for a private family funeral along with a more public memorial service.