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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Alasdair Ferguson

Piper welcomes Alex Salmond back to Scotland with Freedom Come All Ye

Alex Salmond

THE song a lone piper played while the body of Alex Salmond was returned to Scottish soil has been identified.

The flight carrying the former first minister, which was privately chartered by Tom Hunter, landed at Aberdeen Airport to the sound of The Bloody Fields of Flanders.

Better known as the tune Freedom Come All Ye, by Scottish poet Hamish Henderson, piper Connor Sinclair’s version has been called a “very nice touch”.

Salmond's coffin was draped in a Saltire and welcomed by members of his family along with acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill.

(Image: BBC)

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

Salmond’s wife Moira invited anyone last night 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.

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