BOOKS OF CONDOLENCE OPENED
FOR VICTIMS OF US TERRORIST ATTACK

The Highland Council has opened books of condolence at its network of 35 Service Points and main public offices to allow the public to express their sympathies to those people who died or were injured in Tuesdays terrorist attacks in the United States of America.

Flags at main public offices were flown at half mast and a minutes silence was
observed at the start of the Councils Housing and Social Work Committee
meeting in Inverness.  Convener David Green has also written to US President George Bush expressing the communities heartfelt sympathies at the terrible suffering caused by the atrocities at New York and Washington DC.  He wrote: "I am writing to express the deepest sympathy of our community for the appalling suffering which resulted from Tuesday's cowardly and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC.  "No words can convey our horror at the loss of so many innocent lives. I can, however, well understand feelings of disbelief and shock in the United States as these were relayed to me through my son, who was in New York at the time, but thankfully a good distance away from Manhattan. I know that democracy will triumph over barbaric terrorism.  Our very best wishes are with you and the American nation during this troubled time. 

Councillor Greens 20-year-old student son, Eoghann, is presently in New York preparing to return home following a summer work placement in South Carolina.  Councillor Green and his family waited anxiously at their home in Achiltibuie, West Ross, before Eoghann telephoned on Tuesday night to say he was safe and well.  He said: This horrific incident just demonstrates the global village we are now living in. There must be many many people like my family who have someone close to the scenes of these attacks.

"We had a really uncomfortable few hours before the relief of hearing from Eoghann. He was only on the line for 30 seconds but it was enough to know he was safe and well. My heart goes out to anyone who is still waiting for news or has received bad news about a loved one."