Because the glint of the touchdown lights on the non-public jet emerged from the thick Aberdeen clouds, it was the start of a protracted goodbye for Alex Salmond.
The skirl of the bagpipes was the soundtrack for a rustic witnessing the return of a former first minister.
Flanked by members of the family, the gray coffin draped within the Scottish saltire flag slowly emerged from the rear of the plane and made its means in direction of the hearse on the tarmac.
The stoney, sombre faces of Mr Salmond’s family informed a narrative of grief and private sorrow.
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Pic: PA
His widow Moira selected to keep away from the banks of stay cameras. She witnessed this second from the cortege that escorted her husband’s physique.
It was geography of circumstance that put Mr Salmond, 69, in North Macedonia.
He was surrounded by dignitaries and officers final Saturday when he collapsed and died of a coronary heart assault after taking centre stage to debate Scottish independence.
North Macedonia rolled out the red-carpet remedy as they bid farewell to Alex Salmond on Friday.
Troopers fashioned a guard of honour because the aircraft set off for Scotland after a repatriation course of that turned tangled in diplomatic wrangling.
A UK authorities supply informed me they’d not obtained any official request to help with the return of the physique, regardless of very public requires the RAF to assist.
Scottish ministers additionally would not foot the associated fee. Finally it fell to Scots billionaire businessman Sir Tom Hunter to step in and constitution a flight from the Balkans.
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Alex Salmond. Pic: AP Picture/Scott Heppell
Some right here at Aberdeen airport famous the stark distinction in reception at house in comparison with overseas.
A number of independence activists gathered on the fringe of the airport perimeter to observe.
One man described Mr Salmond as a “hero” as he recalled turning into tearful because the spectacle drove by.
A lot has been stated about Alex Salmond.
He was vibrant, sophisticated, and controversial.
There was discuss of his trials and tribulations.
However this was a day to mark his return. A day for respect and remembrance for somebody described as one of many greatest political gamers of his technology.
