Flags at half mast out of respect

Flags will fly at half-mast across Scotland this weekend as a mark of respect for those affected by the helicopter crash in Glasgow.

St Andrew’s Day events in the city have been cancelled and football grounds hosting Scottish Cup ties will observe a minute silence.

First Minister Alex Salmond has asked that saltire and Lion Rampant flags outside Scottish Government and Historic Scotland buildings fly at half-mast over the weekend.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress has called off its annual St Andrew’s Day anti-racism march in the city but will go ahead with a planned indoor rally which will now include tributes to those affected by the accident.

STUC general secretary Grahame Smith said: “In light of the tragic loss of life and the current demands placed on all the emergency services involved in the rescue it would not be appropriate for the march to go ahead.

“We plan to hold a short rally in the Glasgow Film Theatre as planned at 12noon where a tribute will be paid to those who have lost their lives”.

Glasgow City Council cancelled the Glasgow Loves St Andrew’s Day celebrations due to take place in George Square.

A spokesman for the council said: “While emergency services continue in their efforts at the Clutha, we have decided to cancel this afternoon’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations on George Square as a mark of respect. Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this time.”

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond described today – St Andrew’s Day – as a ”black day for Glasgow and for Scotland”. Mr Salmond visited the multi-agency command centre in Glasgow and praised the speed of the emergency response.

“We’ve also heard of the instinctive courage of ordinary Glasgwegians going to assist their fellow citizens in extremity,” he said.

“This is a black day for Glasgow and Scotland but it’s also St Andrew’s Day, and it’s a day we can take pride and courage in how we respond to adversity and tragedy.

“That response from our emergency services and from ordinary citizens has been exemplary. As First Minister, it’s a day we can take great pride in how we’ve responded to this extraordinary tragedy.”

Fire Scotland deputy chief officer Alex Clark said: “On behalf of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to extend the most sincere condolences to all of those affected by last night’s events.

“Along with our emergency service colleagues, we responded very, very quickly and pulled out all the measures that we possibly could in order to rescue people who were affected by this incident.

“I can assure you that until such time as there is an inevitable outcome we will undoubtedly remain on site and carry on our rescue activities in the best way that we possibly can.”

Gary Hardacre, head of risk and resilience at the Scottish Ambulance Service, who is leading the ambulance response at the Clutha, said: “All of our thoughts and condolences are with those that have been affected by this tragic incident.

“In terms of our response, we were very quick in putting our action plans into place.

“We have got a large scale response into this incident, comprising ambulance crews and special operations teams from east and west of Scotland.

“We have been working with our partners in the police and fire service to ensure a joined-up response, and provide the best possible care that we can for the people affected by this.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed “deepest sympathies” with the families and friends who lost a loved one in the Glasgow helicopter crash and he thanked the emergency services who “worked tirelessly” throughout the nightand also paid tribute to the bravery of “the ordinary Glaswegians who rushed to help”.

Scottish Football Association president Campbell Ogilvie: “On behalf of the Scottish FA, I extend my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those affected by the tragic events in Glasgow. We have advised competing clubs and appointed match officials involved in this weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup ties that it would be appropriate to observe a moment’s silence prior to kick-off.”

Rangers and Falkirk players wore black armbands during their cup match at Falkirk Stadium.

A statement from Rangers said: “Everyone at Rangers Football Club is shocked and saddened by the tragic helicopter crash at the city’s Clutha Vaults bar last night. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this dreadful incident.”