OFFICIALS in North Macedonia have said Alex Salmond's body is ready to be returned to Scotland.
The former first minister died suddenly in North Macedonia on Saturday aged 69. On Monday evening, a post-mortem examination confirmed Salmond’s cause of death as a heart attack.
Salmond had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the city of Ohrid before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.
The North Macedonian ministry of foreign affairs said the "technical work" of repatriation had been concluded, and they were "waiting for information regarding the departure time from the Scottish side".
It is understood that the Scottish and UK governments are working together to repatriate the body, with the general secretary of Alba Chris McEleny travelling to Ohrid to assist.
Conservative MP David Davis, who was a friend of Salmond, called for the RAF to bring Salmond’s body back to the UK.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes met with representatives from the UK Government on Monday morning to press the case and an update was expected on Monday evening, McEleny told The National.
However, no plan has yet been announced.
The Scottish Government said: "The Scottish Government has been in regular dialogue with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office since Saturday to ensure consular support is in place for the family and around the repatriation of the former First Minister."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are providing consular support to the family of Alex Salmond following his death in North Macedonia, and are in contact with the local authorities and Scottish Government.”
