Sir Tom Hunter Assists in Repatriation of Alex Salmond’s Body

Businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter has arranged the transport of Alex Salmond‘s body back to Scotland from North Macedonia following the former First Minister’s sudden death. Salmond passed away from a heart attack on Saturday while attending a conference in the Balkan nation.

Sir Tom has paid for the chartered flight, which is scheduled to arrive at Aberdeen Airport shortly before 2:00 PM on Friday. The arrival will be attended by family members and acting Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill, with the cortege proceeding to the Salmond family home in Strichen afterward. A private family funeral is planned, followed by a public memorial event, yet to be announced.

In a public statement, Sir Tom Hunter expressed, “Whilst he and I disagreed on some of his ambitions, Alex Salmond devoted his life to Scotland and the Scottish people, and as such, he and his family deserve the dignity and privacy of a private return to the home of his birth.” He further clarified his stance, noting, “To be clear I remain resolutely apolitical.”

Sir Tom’s career began with selling trainers from a van, eventually building a significant property and equity business. He continues to invest through his entrepreneurial endeavors and the Hunter Foundation, although it is reported that the costs for the flight were covered personally and not through the foundation. Sir Tom has also been known to financially support the Labour Party.

Tributes for Salmond, who led the Scottish National Party and later formed the Alba Party, have been offered from multiple political circles. Notably, First Minister John Swinney submitted a motion of condolence at Holyrood, and messages can be left in books of condolence at the parliament.

Kenny MacAskill, currently acting as the leader of the Alba Party, expressed the family’s gratitude, saying, “It brings a great deal of comfort to Moira and other members of the family to know that he will soon be home with them.” The family has requested privacy and will disclose funeral and memorial details in due course. They have also acknowledged the cooperation from the North Macedonian, Scottish, and UK governments in facilitating the repatriation.

A spokesperson from the Scottish government stated, “Over the last few days, the Scottish Government and UK Government have been engaging with Alex Salmond’s family and working closely to meet their wishes, ensuring the swift and dignified repatriation of the former First Minister to Scotland.” These efforts are aimed at providing comprehensive support during this sensitive process.