Alex Salmond’s body to be flown home to Scotland on Friday

Alex Salmond’s body is to be brought back to Scotland on Friday, the Alba Party has confirmed.

The former first minister died of a heart attack on Saturday while attending a conference in North Macedonia.

A un-named individual is chartering a plane for the repatriation. The flight is expected to arrive in the north east, where Salmond lived.

A private family funeral will be held, followed by a public memorial event at a later date.

Tributes have been paid to former SNP leader Salmond, who died aged 69, from across the political spectrum in recent days.

First Minister John Swinney has lodged a motion of condolence at Holyrood, while books of condolence have been opened in the parliament for MSPs and members of the public to leave messages.

During Prime Ministers’ Questions, Sir Keir Starmer described him as a “monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics”.

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also paid tribute in the Commons.

Scotland football fans held a minute’s applause before Tuesday’s match against Portugal at Hampden.