The former first minister was in Ohrid, North Macedonia, to attend an Academy for Cultural Diplomacy (ACD) conference when he collapsed during lunch with other delegates on Saturday afternoon.

Paramedics were called and attempts were made to revive him using CPR but they failed.

Chris McEleny, general secretary of the Alba Party, flew to the city following Salmond’s death.

He called on the UK government to grant approval for his body to be flown directly back to Scotland as it would be far quicker than using a commercial flight.

He told BBC Scotland’s Drivetime programme: “For his family’s sake, friends, we should get him home as quickly as possible.

“And for all that he’s done for Scotland, I think it’s the least that we can do for him.”