Scotland’s LGBT community to hold vigils for victims of Orlando attack

Vigils are to be held in Glasgow and Edinburgh following a mass shooting at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando.

Gunman Omar Mateen killed 50 and wounded 53 more in what is thought to be the biggest terrorist atrocity against homosexuals since the Second World War, and the deadliest of recent mass shootings in the USA.

The terrorist was shot dead by police at the Pulse nightclub.

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A vigil will be held by local group Free Pride in Glasgow’s George Square tonight at 5.30, followed by a similar event with Inclusive Networks on Wednesday in St Andrew's Square in Edinburgh.

Tim Hopkins, director of Scottish LGBTI charity the Equality Network, said “care and thoughts” were with the victims and their families.

“Whatever may emerge about any connection between the killer and organised terrorism, it is clear that a large part of the motive for this attack was homophobic hate. LGBTI people around the world face the reality of crimes of hatred, from verbal abuse through to murderous violence. This attack is a terrible reminder of that reality and makes us all feel a little less safe today.

“As we have seen too often, when people come together as a community, whether in a club, or a place of education or worship or elsewhere, one person filled with hatred and with powerful weapons can cause devastation. But communities are what matter, and we trust that this attack will only strengthen the resolve of the diverse communities of Orlando and elsewhere to work together to end prejudice and hate.”

US President Barack Obama called the shooting "an act of terror", and again called for a tightening of gun laws. Watch his full response to the atrocity from the White House below: