ALBA Party general secretary Chris McEleny has thanked Inverclyde's Provost for deciding to lower the Saltire over Greenock Municipal Buildings to half mast in tribute to former First Minister Alex Salmond.

The flag was lowered earlier this week at the behest of Provost Drew McKenzie to pay tribute to Mr Salmond following his sudden death in North Macedonia at the weekend. 

Mr McEleny, who is from Gourock, paid a moving tribute to his 'close friend' Mr Salmond earlier this week. 

He is currently in North Macedonia assisting with repatriation efforts and has now praised  Provost McKenzie for paying respect to the former First Minister and Alba Party leader. 

Mr McEleny said: “I would like to thank the Provost for this gesture.

"Alex Salmond loved Inverclyde and I am deeply grateful that the council have recognised the warmth of feeling for him from across our community.”