MSPs to offer condolences for Brussels attack in last day of Scottish Parliament’s fourth session

Scottish party leaders are expected to offer condolences to people in Belgium affected by yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels later, in the last day of parliament before the May’s election.

Two explosions at Brussels airport and another at a metro station on Tuesday left about 34 dead and 250 wounded.

Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick, who is a number of MSPs stepping down today, has opened a book of condolence for members and visitors to sign, and flags outside parliament are flying at half-mast in respect of the victims.

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A parliamentary motion will see all party leaders speak on the matter this morning before the last First Minister's Questions of the parliamentary session.

Yesterday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a Scottish Government resilience (SGORR) meeting with cabinet members, senior Police Scotland representatives and Scottish Government officials to monitor the situation and Scotland’s response.

“Scotland is a diverse multi-cultural society and this diversity is our strength. Terrorist attacks are intended to divide us and destroy the freedoms and way of life we value so highly. We must unite as a community here at home - and in solidarity with those in Brussels - to make clear that they will not succeed," she said.

MSPs will also express its thanks to Marwick and other members standing down before being piped out of the chamber.

You can see the full list of those standing down here.