JOHN Swinney has paid tribute to those whose lives were “forever changed” by the “unimaginable tragedy” of the September 11 attack 25 years ago.
The terrorist attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York “shocked the world”, the First Minister said.
Terrorists flew two hijacked planes into the skyscrapers on September 11, 2001. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3000 people died.
Speaking ahead of a service of remembrance at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Friday, Swinney recalled how communities across the world had been impacted by the attack.
The First Minister said: “Today, we remember the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“These attacks shocked the world and affected communities across the globe, including here in Scotland. My thoughts are with all those whose lives were forever changed by that terrible day, especially the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
“Twenty-five years on, we honour the courage of survivors, families and first responders and pay tribute to the resilience they showed in the face of unimaginable tragedy.”
He added: “Scotland stands with the people of the United States and communities around the world in remembering those who lost their lives. Scotland will always reject terrorism and violent extremism.”
