Scotland’s First Minister has expressed her horror at the Brussels blasts.
Speaking at a hate crime conference in Glasgow, Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are gathering to talk about tolerance, diversity and tackling hate crime as quite horrific news is emerging of what appears to be a devastating terrorist attack in Brussels.
“My thoughts are with everybody caught up in these events and indeed with the people of Belgium.
“It is a stark reminder of the importance of work we are doing to tackle hate crime and to strengthen diversity and community cohesion.”
Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland also expressed his sympathy.
St Andrews University rector and Labour MEP Catherine Stihler said she was inside the Dutch Embassy in Belgium.
My team and I are safe. I am still locked down in the Dutch Embassy.Thoughts and prayers with the 23 killed and their families this morning.
— Catherine Stihler (@C_Stihler_MEP) March 22, 2016
She tweeted: “My team and I are safe. I am still locked down in the Dutch Embassy. Thoughts and prayers with the 23 killed and their families this morning.”
Stephen Gethins MP, SNP Europe spokesperson, spent four years living and working in Brussels.
Thinking about old friends and colleagues in Brussels. Devastating news. Amazing people and city to live in.
— Stephen Gethins MP (@StephenGethins) March 22, 2016
He said: “This is devastating news from Brussels this morning. My thoughts are with everyone who is affected by today’s atrocities. Brussels is a wonderful city, multi-national and cultured with people living and working together from across the globe. It stands for the very best in what these terrorists hate most.
“I know that Bruxellois of all nationalities and backgrounds will be resilient in the face of these horrors.”
Flights today from Edinburgh Airport to Brussels have been cancelled and passengers are being advised to check with their airline for alternative travel.
https://twitter.com/GLA_Airport/status/712223990182498305Glasgow
Airport tweeted: “In light of events at Brussels Airport we are continuing to maintain our high levels of security. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
https://twitter.com/BoyataDedryck/status/712205886119350272Celtic
player, Dedryck Boyata, who is a Belgian international, tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims #zaventem.”