The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Sense of solidarity with victims’
Nicola Sturgeon has said Scotland feels a sense of solidarity with the people of London in the wake of the terrorist attack at Westminster.
The first minister spoke after the events in London led to the suspension of a major Holyrood debate and saw security stepped up at locations around Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon said: “My thoughts, as I’m sure the thoughts of everybody in Scotland tonight, are with people caught up in this dreadful event.
“My condolences in particular go to those who’ve lost loved ones.
“My thoughts are with those who’ve sustained injuries and we all feel a sense of solidarity with the people of London tonight.”
She has convened a Scottish Government resilience (SGoRR) meeting to “review any implications for Scotland”.
“There is no intelligence of any risk to Scotland,” she added.
Armed patrols have been increased around key sites in the Scottish capital, while police patrols have also been upped elsewhere across Scotland.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley, who confirmed the moves, described them as “reassurance measures”.
Officers are also continuing to “dynamically review” security plans and operations in the wake of the incident at Westminster, and they have urged the public to stay alert.
Mr Gormley told a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) yesterday: “There will be higher-profile patrols across key locations in Scotland.
“We’ve uplifted and deployed a number of armed officers into key places so they are able to respond if the need suggests and we’re working very closely with colleagues in London to understand what exactly has happened and what we need to do to support them and to keep Scotland safe.”
Security at the Scottish Parliament has been heightened as a precaution, with officials stressing there is no specific threat to Holyrood or Scotland.
Flags at the Scottish Parliament are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.