THE remains of Scotland’s former first minister Alex Salmond arrived in Aberdeen today, following his death a week ago in North Macedonia.

In the Macedonian city of Ohrid, Alba Party chairwoman Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh helped drape the coffin in the saltire, before it was carried to a charted jet, paid for by millionaire businessman Sir Tom Hunter.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh thanked Macedonian authorities and Sir Tom, adding: “Scotland’s son, hero and true patriot, Alex Salmond, is on his way home. The dream will never die.”

Three hours later, his body arrived in Aberdeen to the bagpiped strains of Freedom Come All Ye and was received by his wife Moira and wider family, along with lifelong friend and acting Alba leader Kenny McAskill.

Mr McAskill said the family were “incredibly grateful” for the assistance in bringing Mr Salmond home, which “brought a great deal of comfort.”

He added: “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.”