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.”
Also speaking at the conference was Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley.
He indicated that security is being reviewed at Scottish transport hubs in the wake of the Brussels blasts, with uniform patrols at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports being increased to reassure the public.
Mr Gormley did not discuss any potential threats to Scotland but asked the public to be “sensibly vigilant”.
He said: “As I sit here I have colleagues reflecting on our security posture at airports and other transport hubs and others who are reaching out to communities who will be deeply concerned about what this means for them and their relationships with their neighbours.
“We are in close contact with counter terrorism colleagues in London, we are reflecting on what is a sensible and proportionate response to what we have seen across the Channel.
“At the moment we will increase our reassurance and uniform presence particularly at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports but my message really is alert not alarm.
“The public need to be sensibly vigilant and tell us if they see things of a concern to them but these terrorists want us to alter our way of life and undermine our freedoms to lets make sure that we maintain a proportionate response to this.”
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Labour MEP Catherine Stihler said she was inside the Dutch Embassy in Belgium.
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.
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.
Glasgow Airport tweeted: “In light of events at at Brussels Airport we are continuing to maintain our high levels of security. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
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