Alex Salmond: Scotland must continue to support Pakistan aid effort. Pic: © STV
First Minister Alex Salmond has spoken at an Edinburgh mosque to celebrate the Muslim Eid festival.
In his address he praised the cultural contribution made by Scottish Muslims and the need to provide support and assistance to those affected by the floods in Pakistan.
Speaking at Blackhall Mosque in Edinburgh, Mr Salmond offered his best wishes to Muslims in Scotland and around the world in the run-up to the Eid ul-Fitr festival, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Mr Salmond said the Government valued and appreciated Scottish Muslims, along with other minority ethnic and faith communities, and the positive contribution they make to society, culture and the economy.
This year's Eid festival will be a poignant occasion for many Muslims after the recent flooding in Pakistan, the First Minister said. He also praised the work being done in mosques throughout Scotland in collecting aid for victims of the disaster.
Mr Salmond added: "The scale of suffering in Pakistan is immense and ongoing. So far, Scots have given - with typical generosity - over £3.9m to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and we must continue to do all we can do to help those whose homes and communities were destroyed by these floods.
"The Scottish Government made £807,000 available last week to assist the Pakistani aid effort.
"We are in regular contact with Scottish aid agencies working in Pakistan, to monitor the situation on the ground, so that we can help to provide further assistance where and when needed.
"So, let me repeat my best wishes to Muslims across Scotland who will be enjoying festivities with family and friends this Eid, whilst our hearts and thoughts are also with the people of Pakistan. Eid Mubarak to everyone."
