ALEX Salmond will be repatriated to Scotland on a private plane paid for by a private citizen, it has been confirmed.
A statement from the former first minister’s family, shared by his Alba Party, said that Salmond’s body would be returned to Aberdeen, with further details of the flight available “in due course”.
It comes after confusion sparked by conflicting reports after both Sky News and The National were told that the Scottish Government would be footing the bill to fly Salmond’s body back to Scotland.
However, the Scottish Government did not confirm or deny those sources’ comments, and the Salmond family statement has now offered clarity.
Acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill said: "The family of Alex Salmond would like to put on record their appreciation to the North Macedonian government for expediting the necessary procedures to allow Alex's body to be released.
“The family would also like to thank the UK and Scottish Governments for their endeavors to put in place the swift arrangements to bring Alex Salmond home to Scotland.
“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.
"The family have asked that their privacy be respected at this time and will be making an announcement in due course about the funeral arrangements and a memorial service to honour the life of Alex Salmond."
The former first minister died suddenly on Saturday, aged 69. On Monday evening, a post-mortem examination confirmed Salmond’s cause of death as a heart attack.
Following confirmation that the family made arrangements , a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The loss of a loved one is a difficult time for any family, made more complex when they have passed away overseas.
“Over the last few days the Scottish Government and UK Government have been engaging with Alex Salmond‘s family and working closely together in accordance with their wishes, to ensure the swift and dignified repatriation of the former First Minister to Scotland.
“Having explored a number of options, the family have now made arrangements for this to take place with the support of a private citizen.
“The Scottish Government continues to engage with Mr Salmond‘s family, and we stand ready to offer further advice and support, should it be required.”
It is understood there were concerns at breaking precedent to use the air force to repatriate someone other than a member of the royal family.
Former Tory MP and friend to Salmond, David Davis, had led calls for the RAF to bring Salmond’s body back to the UK. Alba general secretary Chris McEleny said there had been a series of engagements with the Foreign Secretary, Secretary of State for Scotland and the Chancellor on the issue.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes met with representatives from the UK Government on Monday to also press the case.
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 on Tuesday evening that the "technical work" of repatriation had been concluded, and they were "waiting for information regarding the departure time from the Scottish side".
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson 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.”
Edit: This story previously stated that the Scottish Government would pay for Alex Salmond's repatriation. It has now been confirmed that a private individual will pay. The National is happy to make that clear.
