MEGRAHI WILL NOT RETURN HOME AS A HERO

Tripoli has agreed to keep the homecoming “very low profile” amid fears of hindering the country’s renewed relations with the West.

It is understood the Scottish Government is concerned about a repeat of triumphant scenes when Megrahi’s co-accused Al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah was acquitted of the bombing in 2001.

A source close to the Libyan authorities said: “A triumphant return is not on the cards.

“Megrahi will most likely end up in a hospice, rather than a villa overlooking the Mediterranean.”

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has until the end of July to rule on Megrahi.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The decision will be one made on judicial grounds. Economic and political considerations have no place in the process.”