The RAF has refused to repatriate Alex Salmond’s body from North Macedonia, causing John Swinney to pay for a chattered flight back to Scotland.
On Saturday, the former First Minister passed away at the age of 69 after delivering a speech in North Macedonia at around 3.30pm (local time).
The UK and Scottish Governments had been in talks about the return of the former SNP leader’s body.
There had been calls for the armed forces to get involved, with David Davis, Conservative MP and close friend of Salmond, leading the charge.
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond died at the age of 69 on SaturdayPAHowever, a private jet has been decided as the best option after lengthy discussions.
It is understood that there were fears over breaking the precedent that the RAF only repatriates the bodies of royals, Sky News has reported.
The politician “fell sick and died on the spot” from a suspected massive heart attack, police have said. A fellow delegate caught him as he fell backwards off his chair at the diplomacy conference.
Efforts were made to resuscitate the 69-year-old. Paramedics concluded that by the time they arrived, there was nothing that could be done to save him.
His family have paid tribute to the late politician who “left a fundamental footprint on Scottish politics”.
In a statement, they said: “Alex was a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect, and admired throughout the world. He loved meeting people and hearing their stories, and showed incredible kindness to those who needed it.
“He dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland. His vision and enthusiasm for Scotland and the Yes movement were both inspirational and contagious.
“But to us, first and foremost, he was a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend.”
They added: “In our darkest of family moments, he was always the one who got us through, making this time even more difficult, as he is not here for us to turn to. His resilience and optimism knew no bounds.
“He led us to believe in better. Without Alex, life will never be the same again. But he would want us to continue with his life’s work for independence, and for justice, and that is what we shall do.”
More to follow…