The body of Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, who tragically passed away during a conference in North Macedonia, is set to be flown back to Scotland on a special flight. The news was confirmed by an official on Monday.
Salmond, a prominent figure in the Scottish independence movement, died suddenly at the age of 69 while attending a forum in Ohrid. Reports indicate that he collapsed during a lunch event, believed to have suffered a massive heart attack. Boris Josifovski, an aide to North Macedonia’s former president Gjorge Ivanov, who organized the forum, stated that the necessary procedures for the repatriation of Salmond’s body are nearly completed.
Josifovski mentioned to The Associated Press that all legal formalities and paperwork are close to being finalized. He added that a special flight will be arranged in the coming days, most likely departing from Ohrid and heading to Scotland. The official coroner’s report detailing the exact cause of Salmond’s passing will be provided to his family by the authorities in North Macedonia.
Alex Salmond, who led the Scottish National Party and guided Scotland through a landmark independence referendum in 2014, had served as the First Minister from 2007 to 2014. Despite his efforts, the Scottish public ultimately chose to remain part of the United Kingdom, with 55% voting against independence and 45% in favor. Following the referendum results, Salmond stepped down from his position, paving the way for his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, to assume leadership. The subsequent fallout between the two influential figures significantly impacted Scottish politics for years to come.