ALEX Salmond died of a heart attack, a post-mortem examination has confirmed.
Salmond, who was Scotland’s first minister from 2007 until 2014, died suddenly in North Macedonia on Saturday aged 69.
The former first minister had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the city of Ohrid before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.
READ MORE: National readers share their memories of Alex Salmond
We previously told how the Scottish and UK governments are working together to repatriate the ex-SNP leader’s body.
The Scottish Government said it had been "in regular dialogue" with the Foreign Office since Salmond's death was announced to ensure "consular support is in place for the family and around the repatriation of the former first minister."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “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.”
The Alba Party, which Salmond founded in 2021 after leaving the SNP, said it expected an update on his return on Monday evening.
Tributes have poured in since his death at the weekend with First Minister John Swinney saying he “inspired a generation” to believe in independence.
In a statement, Salmond’s family said he was “a devoted and loving husband, a fiercely loyal brother, a proud and thoughtful uncle and a faithful and trusted friend”.
They added: “Alex was a formidable politician, an amazing orator, an outstanding intellect and admired throughout the world.
“He loved meeting people and hearing their stories and showed incredible kindness to those who needed it.
READ MORE: Watch as MPs pay tribute to Alex Salmond in House of Commons
“He dedicated his adult life to the cause he believed in – independence for Scotland.”
Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
He resigned as first minister after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum resulted in a 55% to 45% vote to stay in the UK.
He launched his rival Scottish independence party, Alba, in 2021 after his relationship with his successor Nicola Sturgeon fractured.
His final post on Twitter/X, shortly before his death, ended: “Scotland is a country not a county”.
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