The Scottish Government is reportedly considering hiring a private plane to repatriate the body of Alex Salmond, with an RAF charter likely to cost £600,000.
The former First Minister collapsed and died in North Macedonia on Saturday, with the cause of death later confirmed to have been a heart attack..
Sir David Davis, the former Tory MP and close friend of Mr Salmond, called on the RAF to repatriate his body to Scotland.
However, according to the Times, the cost of doing so would be around £600,000 and as such the Scottish Government is looking at hiring a private plane.
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A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The Scottish Government 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.”
The UK Government confirmed it is working with local authorities in North Macedonia, with a spokesperson for the FCDO saying: “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.”
In a statement, Mr Salmond’s family said he was “a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend”.
They added: “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.”
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