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FM meets with Muslim leaders
31/07/2007
First Minister Alex Salmond tonight met with leaders from Scotland's Muslim community as part of a series of events to celebrate the country's diversity.
The reception at Bute House is part of the Executive's One Scotland anti-racism campaign, and comes in the wake of last month's Glasgow Airport incident.
Mr Salmond was joined by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing and Solicitor General Frank Mulholland.
The First Minister said:
"This is one of a series of meetings to celebrate the role of Scotland's diverse communities.
"Events last month show the importance of not being divided as a society. Our response is about how you ensure Scotland is held together as a community and as a society.
"One of the clear objectives of terrorists is to divide communities from each other - to divide them from within. Part of this Government's programme is to make sure that the whole variety of communities that we have in Scotland work together as part of One Scotland. Tonight's event is part of a process not a response to any single event.
"Part of what we are doing with our One Scotland campaign is trying to tackle a variety of ills in society - racism, sectarianism and bigotry. The best way to do that is to emphasise, support and celebrate the achievement of our communities. It't not just about dealing with bad things. It's about celebrating what's good, what's diverse and what's wonderful about every day life in Scotland."