City in silent tribute after terror attacks
GLASGOW fell silent to pay its respects to the victims of the London terror attack.
At Central Station, staff and passengers joined in a minutes’ silence at 11am to remember those who lost their lives.
Police, Scotrail train staff, station bosses, engineers and Virgin trains employees were among those who formed a line in the middle of the concourse and bowed their heads during a minute of remembrance.
Glasgow joined people across the UK for the minute silence including people on London Bridge and healthcare teams at London hospitals.
Dozens of commuters in Glasgow also paid their respects, standing still and quietly reflecting on the events that unfolded over the weekend.
Harry Winter, 73, from the West End, said: “It’s just an absolute tragedy and cannot be explained.
“All those people, just out enjoying themselves. It needs to stop. How long can this continue? People are living in fear of their lives.”
Jane Carswell, 27, from Govan, was passing through the station on her way to work and observed the minutes’ silence.
She said: “I thought it was important to pay respects to those people who died. It could have been any one of us.
“As if Manchester wasn’t enough, now this.
“I have friends in London and was so worried about them. Fortunately they were OK but everyone is wary of what is coming around the corner.”
Meanwhile members of Glasgow’s Muslim community came together to urge people to show solidarity in the face of terrorism.
The event, which was organised by the Scottish Afghan Society, saw demonstrators blindfold themselves to send a message that “an eye for an eye leaves everybody blind”.
Passersby joined in the United Against Terrorism and Fascism event by lighting candles for the victims and holding signs reading ‘Don’t Let Hate Divide Us’.
Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar was among several people who took to the steps of the Royal Concert Hall to condemn the acts of violence in Manchester, London, Kabul and Baghdad this year.
Mr Sarwar took time off campaigning ahead of Thursday’s election to make an impassioned speech to the crowd on Buchanan Street. The politician commented that “real Muslims” are currently fasting for Ramadan and “not wreaking havoc on the streets of London”.
He added: “What struck me was the Muslim taxi drivers offering free lifts to people after the attack in London, the members of the Jewish community donating blood and the Sikh’s offering food.
“We will not let the haters divide us. Freedom and justice will win.”
Mohammad Asif, chairman of the Scottish Afghan Society, described terrorism as an “incurable cancer”.
He said: “If we don’t come together and stand together against it, they will win and we will lose.
“The victims of terrorism are not confined to non-Muslims.
“Imagine sending your child to a concert or university and them not returning – it is heartbreaking.”