Grandad jailed in Iraq is finally home

A Fife grandad held in an Iraqi jail over an unpaid debt had an emotional reunion with his family as he returned to Scotland.

Brian Glendinning, from Kincardine, arrived at Edinburgh Airport on Saturday after being held in a prison in Iraq.

The 43-year-old had been working at an oil refinery there but was arrested on an Interpol red notice at Baghdad Airport on September 12 over an alleged debt owed to the Qatar National Bank.

He was met by his mother, Meta, his wife, Kimberly, daughters Heidi and Lexi, and his brothers John and Lee at Edinburgh Airport after returning from Istanbul.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, Brian said he was now “back where I belong with my family and friends”.

He said: “It’s just the emotions. I didn’t think I was going to be here anytime soon.”

He thanked all those who had supported him and worked to get him freed, including Radha Stirling, founder of the Interpol and Extradition Reform initiative, and MP Douglas Chapman.