Scotland stands in solidarity

“I urge people not to let these terrorists win by dividing us and driving a wedge between the multi-cultural society Scotland is home to.” – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon observed yesterday’s minute silence at the Glasgow Central Mosque as Scotland fell silent to remember those who died in the Paris terrorist attacks. 

The First Minister visited the mosque with Justice Secretary Michael Matheson and Humza Yousaf, the Minister for Europe and International Development.

The minute of silence was observed across Europe and flags outside all Scottish Government buildings are flying half-mast.

Ahead of the silence, Ms Sturgeon chaired a third Scottish Government resilience (SGORR) meeting to the discuss on-going response to Friday night’s attacks.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The minute silence that has been observed in Scotland and across Europe is a clear indication that we all stand in solidarity with France and are thinking of that proud nation at this moment.

“We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to the people of France and all those affected, and we are doing everything possible to provide support for those caught up in this barbaric act.

“I want to stress that while the overall threat level in the UK is severe, people in Scotland remain safe to go about their day to day business. Police Scotland is advising people to be alert but not alarmed and to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.

“There is absolutely no place for bigotry and prejudice in Scotland and this Government is clear that any form of hate crime is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in 21st century Scotland.

“We must stand together as one and Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be reinforcing this message to communities across Scotland.

“I urge people not to let these terrorists win by dividing us and driving a wedge between the multi-cultural society Scotland is home to. We are stronger when united and that is one of our strengths.

“We are due to welcome Syrian refugees to Scotland tomorrow and we need to show that we are a country of compassion and acceptance. These people are fleeing their homes in the search for protection and security, and we are their refuge. We cannot let the actions of the few destroy the safety of the many.”