Two vigils organised to support LGBTI community after horrific events in Orlando which left 50 dead

Vigils are to be held in Glasgow and Edinburgh as a mark of respect for the victims of the Orlando nightclub shootings which left 50 clubbers dead.

The first is to take place in George Square, Glasgow at 5.30pm today (13 June) with Edinburgh holding an event at St Andrews Square on Wednesday (15 June).

Pulse, an LGBTI nightclub, was targeted by a lone shooter who allegedly harboured hatred for gay people.

Omar Mateen killed 50 people and wounded 53 more in the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history, before being shot dead by police.

Scottish national LGBTI charity the Equality Network said its care and thoughts are with the victims’ families and friends.

This attack is a terrible reminder of that reality and makes us all feel a little less safe today.

Tim Hopkins, director of the Equality Network, said: “It is impossible for us to imagine the horror of the attack, or the devastation to lives it has and will continue to cause.

“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.”

LGBT organisation Equality Florida has set up a fund to assist the victims of the attack, to which donations may be made.