Cost of RAF Flight to Bring Alex Salmond Home Revealed
- Alex Salmond died of a cardiac arrest in North Macedonia after attending a conference.
- Family and political allies are urging the Scottish government to repatriate his body, with the RAF plane costing £600,000.
- The government is considering a private plane as a more cost-effective alternative, raising concerns about setting a precedent for military transport.
Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland, passed away at the age of 69 after attending a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Following his death, there has been a push from family members and political allies, particularly from the Alba Party, for his body to be repatriated to Scotland. The Scottish government is currently evaluating options for this repatriation, with a Royal Air Force plane being one of the considered methods. However, the cost of chartering an RAF plane has been reported to be around £600,000, prompting discussions about more economical alternatives. The potential use of a private plane is being considered as it would significantly reduce expenses compared to military transport. Concerns have also been raised regarding the implications of using military resources for such a purpose, which could set a precedent for future cases. Salmond's sudden cardiac arrest serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and has sparked discussions about health and well-being among the public.