THE North Macedonian government has been praised for giving a “fitting tribute” to Alex Salmond ahead of his final journey home to Scotland.
The former first minister is to be repatriated to Scotland on Friday, with a flight expected to land in Aberdeen at around 1.45pm.
Salmond, who led Scotland from 2007 until resigning after the independence referendum in 2014, died suddenly last Saturday after suffering a heart attack at an event in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
We previously reported on how the former SNP and Alba leader's coffin will be draped in a Saltire and given a guard of honour before boarding the plane at an airport in Ohrid.
But now, acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill has revealed further details – including that former North Macedonian president Gjorge Ivanov and an official delegation will be in attendance.
Before boarding the plane, Alex Salmond’s coffin will be transported with a full police escort and guards of honour in full uniform will be waiting at the platform and with a red carpet in place.
MacAskill (above) said it was a “fitting tribute” as Salmond makes his final journey home to Scotland.
On landing in Scotland, the coffin will be transferred to a hearse and met by a procession of Yes bikers after an invitation from Moira, Salmond's wife.
The flight home for Salmond has been paid for by billionaire businessman Sir Tom Hunter, who stepped in as government discussions dragged on.
Scottish independence campaign group, All Under One Banner (AUOB), said Salmond’s wife Moira has now invited anyone wishing to welcome her late husband home to “join him on one last journey”.
