Alex Salmond’s body has made its way back to Scotland after a private flight from North Macedonia. The late former first minister’s coffin arrived at Aberdeen airport on Friday afternoon. Salmond tragically passed away from a heart attack while delivering a speech at a conference in the city of Ohrid. Before departing from Ohrid St Paul the Apostle Airport on Friday morning, Salmond’s coffin was respectfully draped in a saltire.
Among those who paid their respects by placing the flag on top of the coffin was former SNP MP and Alba Party chairwoman Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh. The Scotland Office is understood to have provided the flag for this poignant moment. The coffin was carried by six members of the North Macedonian military along a red carpet, flanked by eight soldiers standing at attention, to the sound of a trumpet. A moment of silence was observed by the soldiers, flight crew, and ground crew before Salmond’s body was loaded onto the flight.
The chartered plane that transported Salmond’s body was generously covered by billionaire businessman Sir Tom Hunter. This private flight was arranged by the Alba Party with the assistance of Holyrood officials, with Hunter generously covering the expenses. Despite calls from friends and political allies of Salmond for the RAF to fly his body back to Scotland, it was reportedly rejected as he was considered a private citizen at the time of his passing.
Salmond’s family is said to be arranging a private funeral for the former SNP leader, with a larger public memorial service planned for a later date this year. The heartfelt return of Salmond’s body to his homeland marks a significant moment in Scottish politics and history.
This somber occasion serves as a reminder of Salmond’s impactful legacy and contributions to Scotland, with his passing deeply felt by many across the country. As Scotland mourns the loss of a prominent political figure, preparations are underway to honour and remember the life and work of Alex Salmond in the days and months to come.