What's happened
The body of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond is being repatriated from North Macedonia after he died of a heart attack. A private flight, funded by businessman Sir Tom Hunter, is set to arrive in Aberdeen today. Family members and Alba Party representatives will greet the coffin upon arrival.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to BBC News, Salmond's body is being flown back to Scotland today, with a private flight arranged by Sir Tom Hunter. The Scotsman highlights the family's gratitude for the support received during this difficult time, emphasizing the respect Salmond garnered across political lines. The Guardian notes that discussions about using the RAF for repatriation were ultimately set aside in favor of a private arrangement, showcasing the complexities involved in such situations. Alistair Grant from The Scotsman also points out the emotional significance of the repatriation for Salmond's family, particularly his wife, Moira.
How we got here
Alex Salmond, who served as Scotland's First Minister and led the Alba Party, died on October 12, 2024, while attending a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia. His death prompted discussions about repatriation, leading to a private donor arranging a charter flight.
Common question
-
What are the details of Alex Salmond's repatriation and memorial plans?
The recent passing of Alex Salmond, a significant figure in Scottish politics, has raised many questions about the logistics of his repatriation and the memorial services planned in his honor. As discussions unfold, many are curious about the impact of his political career and the public's reaction to his death.
-
What impact will Alex Salmond's death have on Scottish politics?
The recent passing of Alex Salmond, a significant figure in Scottish politics, raises many questions about his legacy and the future of political dynamics in Scotland. As discussions unfold regarding his memorial and the reactions from political leaders, it's essential to explore how his death might reshape the political landscape.
More on these topics
-
Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond is a Scottish politician who served as the First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014. He was the leader of the Scottish National Party for over 20 years, serving two terms, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
-
North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a country in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It gained its independence in 1991 as one of the successor states of Yugoslavia.
-
Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022.
-
Sir Edward Jonathan Davey FRSA MP is a British politician serving as Acting Co-Leader of the Liberal Democrats since 13 December 2019. He has been the Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton since 2017, and previously from 1997 until 2015. Davey is
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
Kenneth Wright MacAskill is a Scottish politician who has been Member of Parliament for East Lothian since 2019. He served as Cabinet Secretary for Justice from 2007 to 2014.
-
The Alba Party is a Scottish nationalist and pro-independence political party in Scotland. The party was founded by the retired television producer Laurie Flynn, with the former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond taking over as leader.
-
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
-
The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland.
The government is led by the First Minister, who selects the Cabinet Secretaries, who attend Cabinet, and Ministers with the approval of Parliament.
-
John Ramsay Swinney is a Scottish politician serving as Deputy First Minister of Scotland since 2014 and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills since 2016.
-
Ohrid is a city in North Macedonia and is the seat of the Ohrid Municipality. It is the largest city on Lake Ohrid and the eighth-largest city in the country, with the municipality recording a population of over 42,000 inhabitants as of 2002.