David Kerr and Rita Campbell
The Highlands paid tribute to the victims of the attacks in Paris yesterday.
The local authority flew the national flag of France at half-mast over Inverness Town House, the council’s HQ in Glenurquhart Road and other buildings.
Several landmarks in the city centre were also lit-up in the red, white and blue of the tricolour, including Inverness Castle, St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Ness Bridge.
The city also observed the minute’s silence at 11am in honour of the victims of the attacks.
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “All of us will be thinking of those who died in Paris, those who lives and bodies have been shattered and all their families and friends.
“This touches all of us. We now live our lives in the shadow of the threat of terrorism.
“We need to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police, whilst it is imperative we continue to live our normal lives without allowing terrorism to shatter our freedom and the values we hold dear.”
The saltire will fly at half-mast at all council buildings in Argyll and Bute for one week as a mark of respect and support for the people of Paris and France.
Argyll and Bute Council Provost Len Scoullar joined voices from around the world expressing horror at the tragedy in Paris.
In a handwritten personal note to Emmanuel Cocher, Consul general de France, Directeur de l’Institut francais d’Ecosse, in Edinburgh, Councillor Scoullar said: “I write on behalf of the people, staff and elected councillors of Argyll and Bute to say how sorry we all are with regard to the terrible acts of violent terrorism perpetrated against the people in Paris on Friday night.
“May I ask that you convey our deepest sympathy to all who are in any way involved. Please tell them of our sadness that such a terrible thing has happened to them and that they will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”