Alex Salmond: Former first minister’s long goodbye as body returns to Scotland

As the glint of the landing lights on the private jet emerged from the thick Aberdeen clouds, it was the beginning of a long goodbye for Alex Salmond. 

The skirl of the bagpipes was the soundtrack for a country witnessing the return of a former first minister.

Flanked by family members, the grey coffin draped in the Scottish saltire flag slowly emerged from the rear of the aircraft and made its way towards the hearse on the tarmac.

The stoney, sombre faces of Mr Salmond‘s relatives told a story of grief and personal sorrow.

His widow Moira chose to stay away from the banks of live cameras. She witnessed this moment from the cortege that escorted her husband’s body.

It was geography of circumstance that put Mr Salmond, 69, in North Macedonia.

He was surrounded by dignitaries and officials last Saturday when he collapsed and died of a heart attack after taking centre stage to discuss Scottish independence.

North Macedonia rolled out the red-carpet treatment as they bid farewell to Alex Salmond on Friday.

Soldiers formed a guard of honour as the plane set off for Scotland after a repatriation process that became tangled in diplomatic wrangling.

A UK government source told me they had not received any official request to assist with the return of the body, despite very public calls for the RAF to help.

Scottish ministers also wouldn’t foot the cost. Ultimately it fell to Scots billionaire businessman Sir Tom Hunter to step in and charter a flight from the Balkans.

Some here at Aberdeen airport noted the stark difference in reception at home compared to abroad.

Several independence activists gathered at the edge of the airport perimeter to watch.

One man described Mr Salmond as a “hero” as he recalled becoming tearful as the spectacle drove by.

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Much has been said about Alex Salmond.

He was colourful, complicated, and controversial.

There has been talk of his trials and tribulations.

But this was a day to mark his return. A day for respect and remembrance for someone described as one of the biggest political players of his generation.