Scottish Government in talks to bring Alex Salmond's body back from North Macedonia

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Scottish Government is in talks with the Foreign Office to bring back the body of Alex Salmond from North Macedonia after the former first minister’s death on Saturday.

The former SNP leader – who led Scotland from 2007 until 2014 – died suddenly during a conference in the city of Ohrid.His death at 69 from a suspected heart attack sent shockwaves through the political world in the UK at the weekend.

The Scottish Government said it was working with UK officials to return Mr Salmond’s body to Scotland.A spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has been in regular dialogue with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) since Saturday to ensure full support is in place for the family and around the repatriation of the former First Minister.”First Minister John Swinney lodged a motion of condolence at the Scottish Parliament on Monday while the flags at St Andrews House in Edinburgh have been lowered since Sunday as a mark of respect.

Mr Swinney praised Mr Salmond’s “substantial and significant contribution that he made over many decades to public life”.The UK Government confirmed it is working with local authorities in North Macedonia, with a spokesperson for the FCDO saying: “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.”A spokesperson for the Alba Party added: “Discussions are taking place and we can expect an update this evening.” Talks are ongoing between Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to repatriate Mr Salmond, the PA news agency understands.Tributes poured in over the weekend to the former