Lord Provost offers sympathy on behalf of Edinburgh

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, has offered his sympathies to France in the aftermath of the Paris attacks.

He said: “On behalf of all of the people of Edinburgh, our thoughts are with France at this awful time of great, great sadness. This was an attack on civilisation – it was carried out against civilised people across the world. France has again been plunged into a terrible time of trial, and we can only offer our support and deepest sympathy.

“I will be signing the book of condolence at the French Consulate and will be formally sending a letter of sympathy to the French Consul General, but words can hardly do justice to the unimaginable feelings that French citizens will be experiencing just now.”

Flags flying above the City Chambers have been lowered to half mast as a mark of respect.