Scotland shows solidarity and mourns murdered French journalists
Hundreds of people turned out across Scotland on Sunday to mourn the death of journalists and others in France at the hands of Islamic extremists.
The Je suis Charlie rallies in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh coincided with rallies in Paris and across the world.
Set up to highlight the killing of Charlie Hebdo staff members, police officers and four supermarket hostages, the rallies featured speeches by student leaders, lecturers and journalists.
In Glasgow, French students at the University of Strathclyde organised a rally on the steps at the Royal Concert Hall in Buchanan Street at 3pm.
Dozens of those attending the rally held up posters declaring "I am Charlie", "I am Ahmed" and "Not Afraid".
Retired French teacher Alastair Sutherland held up a pencil in his hand as he followed the marchers from the Royal Concert Hall down Buchanan Street.
"The pencil is mightier than the gun," he said, as he walked. "We've been singing the French national anthem because we want to show we care deeply about what has happened in France. And we have to show the world we believe this. I have family in France and I taught French. And I felt I had to speak today because everyone in France is suffering."
At Aberdeen ’s Castlegate around 350 people met with Je suis Charlie signs, candles, flowers, flags and pens in a salute to those who lost their lives.
Christian Allard, Scotland’s only French MSP, who was at the Aberdeen rally, said that the Scottish gatherings showed how much the countries had in common.
He said: “It was a fantastic turn out. It’s a fantastic commemoration for the people of France.
“It’s good to see the alliance between the two countries and the two nationalities – its shows we all think the same when we talk about terrorism and freedom of the press."
Julie Tchao, who organised the event on behalf of French community group Frogs In Aberdeen, said: “It’s great to see that so many people have gathered around today around this cause and to see so many Scottish and British guys here to show their support."
