The return of Alex Salmond’s body to Scotland will be paid for by a private individual.

A private individual is set to pay to bring home the body of former first minister Alex Salmond amid confusion from Scotland’s two governments over his repatriation.

Mr Salmond died after suffering a heart attack in North Macedonia on Saturday, where he was attending a conference.

Tory MP and friend of Mr Salmond, Sir David Davis, had pushed for the RAF to be used to bring his body back from the city of Ohrid.

But it is now understood a private flight will be chartered and paid for by an unknown individual to return him to Scotland.

The Scottish Government said it had worked with officials in Westminster and North Macedonia to “ensure the swift and dignified repatriation” of Mr Salmond’s body.

No timeline for Mr Salmond’s repatriation has been publicly announced.

Reports on Wednesday also suggest there will be a public memorial service held for Mr Salmond, although no details have yet been finalised.

Tributes were paid to the former SNP leader in the House of Commons on Wednesday, with the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing him as a “monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics”, who left a “lasting legacy”.

Both Tory leader Rishi Sunak and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also paid tribute.

The suggestion that a private individual has stepped in to pay for the repatriation comes amid speculation the Scottish Government was going to foot the bill, after discussions for the UK armed forces to do so, broke down.

Acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill thanked the Scottish, UK and North Macedonian governments for helping facilitate the repatriation of Mr Salmond’s body.

He 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 endeavours 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.

Mr MacAskill added: “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 Scottish Government said it has been in regular dialogue with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) since Saturday to ensure full support is in place for the family and around the repatriation of the former First Minister.

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.”

A FCDO 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.”

Private individual to foot bill for repatriation of Alex Salmond's body to Scotland

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