Salmond was a 'man of the people' - conference organiser

Former First Minister Alex Salmond was a "man of the people" who touched lives across the world, according to the organiser of the conference at which he died.

The Alba leader, 69, collapsed on Saturday at an Academy for Cultural Diplomacy (ACD) event in North Macedonia after suffering a heart attack.

A private individual is paying for a charter flight to bring Salmond’s body back to Aberdeen from the Balkan country.

A private family funeral will be held for the Alba Party leader, followed by a public memorial event at a later date.

Tributes have been paid to Salmond from across the political spectrum in recent days.

During Prime Ministers' Questions Sir Keir Starmer described him as a "monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics".

ACD director Mark Donfried has returned to North Macedonia from his home in Germany to personally ensure Salmond is repatriated as soon as possible.

He told BBC Scotland News: "I was taught as a I grew up you don't leave any man behind and, here, I definitely feel a responsibility to make sure that everything goes perfectly with the highest level of respect."

Mark Donfried said he got to know Salmond over several years

Mr Donfried has known Salmond for several years and invited him to the conference at the Inex Olgica hotel, which was attended by dozens of young leaders and delegates from across the world.

The former MP and MSP arrived on Thursday and delivered a speech on Friday.

But after attending a panel event on Saturday he collapsed during lunch and was pronounced dead at 15:30 local time (14:30 BST).

The conference was immediately cancelled but delegates gathered less than four hours later to process his sudden loss.

Images showed some at the attendees in tears as stories were shared about Salmond's life and career.

Mr Donfried said: "That was a moment to give thanks for all that Alex had given to everyone in that room and beyond.

"The echoing effects of his legacy will hopefully live on for a very, very long time."

He also recalled how Salmond connected with a wide range of audiences and praised his "generosity of spirit".

First Minister John Swinney signs a Scottish government book of condolence in Edinburgh

On Tuesday, the Tartan Army paid tribute to the former first minister by holding a minute's applause ahead of the Scotland v Portugal match.

And First Minister John Swinney has signed a book of condolence for his predecessor which has been opened in the main hall of the Scottish Parliament.