Alex Salmond's body will be flown back to Scotland in the coming days, it has been confirmed.
The Alba Party has said an agreement had been reached to repatriate the body of the former first minister.
It is understood Mr Salmond’s body will be flown to Aberdeen for a private family funeral.
The Scottish Government confirmed the family decided to charter their own flight, with the funding for the plane coming from a “private individual”.
Talks were initially in place for Mr Salmond's body to be repatriated by the RAF but this was reportedly rejected due to concerns about the breaking of protocol in only handling cases involving the Royal Family.
The 69-year-old collapsed and died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after delivering a speech on independence in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kenny MacAskill, the acting leader of the Alba Party, said: “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.
“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.
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Cost of RAF repatriation for Alex Salmond revealed
"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.”
Mr MacAskill also expressed the Salmond family’s appreciation to the North Macedonian Government, for “expediting” the process of releasing Mr Salmond’s body and the Scottish and UK governments for their work in securing his repatriation.
Reports on Wednesday also suggest there will be a public memorial service held for Mr Salmond, although no details have yet been finalised.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes had been in lengthy discussions with the UK Government’s Europe 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 has 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.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said “consular support” was being provided to Mr Salmond’s family following his death.
Mr Salmond served as first minister between 2007 and 2014 and led the country through the Scottish independence referendum which ultimately ended in 55% to 45% against the proposition.
He had been a stalwart figure in the SNP, with tributes stemming from across the party, including from his former protégé Nicola Sturgeon.
The pair had a very public falling out in 2018 over the Scottish Government's handling of sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Mr Salmond was acquitted of criminal charges later that year and was later awarded £500,000 in damages from the Scottish Government over the mishandling of complaints.
Sir David Davis, a Tory MP and close friend of Mr Salmond had called on the RAF to repatriate his body to Scotland.
But earlier this week, The Times suggested the cost of doing so could be around £600,000, leading Scottish ministers to consider the next steps.
Tributes poured in for Mr Salmond following his sudden death, with his family describing him as a "devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend".
Mr Salmond also received a minute's applause during the Scotland v Portugal match at Hampden on Tuesday.
A UK Government 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."
Following Mr Salmond's death, the flags at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh were lowered as a mark of respect.
Flags will be lowered again on Sunday and Monday and on the day of his funeral.
First Minister John Swinney has tabled a motion of condolence in the Scottish Parliament and has signed a book of condolence in memory of Mr Salmond.
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