FLAGS were at half-mast across Scotland yesterday from the offices of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in Stornoway, to council chambers in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as the country sent its condolences to the people of Manchester in the wake of the terrorist attack.

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken described it as an “appalling and disgusting outrage”, adding: “The people of the great city of Manchester are amongst Glasgow’s closest friends and I know every Glaswegian will join with me in sending our condolences and love to everyone who has been caught up in this attack.

“I have written this morning to Mayor Burnham offering him any support Glasgow can give.

“The council’s chief executive will today be discussing the safety and security of Glasgow’s venues with Police Scotland. She will also meet with the chief executives of Glasgow Life and the SEC as we begin to consider the security implications for the city.

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“However, Glasgow, like Manchester, is a city which loves live music. The purpose of this attack is to inspire fear.

“I will not be afraid, and we will not be afraid. I will continue to enjoy our vibrant live music scene and I know the people of Glasgow will feel exactly the same.”

The city’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander added: “Last night the innocent were targeted in a senseless act of violence. Today Glasgow is united in grief with the people of Manchester.

“We know that like Glasgow, Manchester is a strong and resilient city and they will unite together against this horrific terror act. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their families.”

Lord Provost Frank Ross sent his condolences on behalf of the people of Edinburgh following the attack.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and loved ones of this horrific attack. It is particularly upsetting to learn that children are among the dead. Our hearts break for their families,” he said.

“In the wake of such terror, we have seen Manchester defy fear and hate and respond with courage and love. It has been truly moving to see citizens and the emergency services show such support for each other.

“The people of Edinburgh stand by their side. The flags flying above our City Chambers have been lowered to half-mast and we will observe a minute’s silence at our council meeting on Thursday as a mark of respect and solidarity.

“I will today be writing to Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to express my condolences on behalf of the people of Edinburgh.”

Dundee’s Lord Provost Ian Borthwick also signalled his intention to write to Burnham.

He said: “On behalf of the people of the City of Dundee, I have written to the Mayor of Greater Manchester to express our condolences to the families of those who were tragically killed and our sympathies to those who were injured in yesterday evening’s dreadful act of terrorism.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all others who were touched by this tragedy. I have also offered the support of the City of Dundee to the agencies in Manchester in the response to these awful events.”

Phil Gormley, chief constable of Police Scotland, said as part of the UK response to events in Manchester, armed police would be more visible in Scotland as his force “continues to review all safety and security plans and operations”.

“This includes ensuring our armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed,” he said.

“People will therefore see armed police on patrol at transport hubs and crowded places. There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat to Scotland but I would ask the public to remain alert and report anything suspicious.

“We continue to liaise with the UK authorities in response to this incident.”

The Church of Scotland’s General Assembly held a minute’s silence and offered prayers for the Manchester victims. Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, described it as an “appalling and brutal act”, which he said would have stunned most people.

“That young people and children, with others, could be the subject of what police are now treating as a premeditated act of violence is beyond comprehension,” he said.

“There is no cause, political or religious, that justifies actions of senseless brutality, anywhere or at any time.

“Today the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland offers its prayer and deepest concern to all who have been caught up in this action.

“The young people and their families and friends, the emergency and security services, and the people of that great city of Manchester.

“We pray for them and send our sincerest wishes of peace to come in this heart-rending situation.”