Humza Yousaf has been criticised after a tweet described the Lockerbie bombing as an “air disaster” and not a terrorist attack. Nile Gardiner, a foreign policy analyst, took to X after a message appeared on the Scottish First Minister’s account on Thursday (December 21).
Mr Yousaf’s tweet said: “On the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie air disaster, First Minister Humza Yousaf has expressed sympathies to those who lost loved ones on board Pan Am Flight 103 and on the ground.
“He also paid tribute to emergency workers and others who responded in the immediate aftermath.”
In response, Mr Gardiner shared the post and commented: “Pathetic statement from Humza Yousaf. This was a terrorist attack not an ‘air disaster’.”
That tweet prompted some support from critics of the First Minister, with one X-user replying: “Very naughty… Wrong person in the job. Time for the high jump.”
A second replied: “He is the most awful man.” But others pointed out that official memorials to the Lockerbie bombing also describe what happened as an air disaster.
All 259 passengers and crew were killed, including 35 students from the University of Syracuse, along with 11 Lockerbie residents when Pan Am flight 103 exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie on December 21, 1988, in what remains the deadliest terror attack in British history. The victims were of 21 different nationalities, and 190 were American.
Scotland’s First Minister paid tribute on Thursday to the “incredible courage” shown by the community and emergency services after the bombing on its 35th anniversary.
Mr Yousaf, speaking in Holyrood ahead of First Minister’s Questions, paid tribute to those in the area. He said: “Can I also add my thoughts and indeed my prayers to all of those who continue to feel the impact of the tragic, terrible terrorist attack in Lockerbie on December 21, 1988.
“I spoke to (local MP) David Mundell actually just this week and both of us were reflecting on the incredible courage that we saw, not just from emergency services, but from the local communities.
“Many of them, their stories are not known, they’re not named, but through their courageous action, ensures there is an enduring bond between families that were impacted both here in Scotland and those in the United States and across the world that were impacted.
“My thoughts continue to be with all of those who feel that loss.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross also paid tribute, saying: “My thoughts and prayers, and I’m sure those of the whole chamber, are with their families, friends and those in the Lockerbie community itself who fell victim to this senseless act of terror.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said on Thursday: “I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost loved ones in the Lockerbie tragedy 35 years ago.
“My thoughts are with all those both in the emergency services and the local community, whose bravery and resilience after the event touched us all. Today, we take time to remember everyone affected by this tragedy.”
A memorial service was held to mark the anniversary, led by Jeff Brown, Moderator of the Presbytery of Annandale and Eskdale.
He said: “We remember all those taken in a senseless act of violence 35 years ago. We remember also the outpouring of love that continues today from the people of Lockerbie and the surrounding area, to those in Syracuse and all the other countries.”
Wreaths were laid at Rosebank Crescent, which became the site of a huge crater, and Sherwood Crescent, where houses were also destroyed.
A minute’s silence was held at the Garden of Remembrance at Dryfesdale cemetery just outside Lockerbie. Wreaths were laid by organisations including the police and fire service, as well as local dignitaries, including Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and Fiona Armstrong, Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries.
A display of flowers in the shape of a plane was laid on behalf of a group representing Pan Am stewardesses.
