Muslims praised for cultural contribution

First Minister Alex Salmond has released a special Eid message marking the cultural contribution made by Scottish Muslims and the need to provide assistance to those affected by the floods in Pakistan.

Speaking at Blackhall Mosque in Edinburgh, he gave his best wishes to Muslims in Scotland and around the world in the run-up to the Eid ul-Fitr festival, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

Mr Salmond said the Government valued and appreciated Scottish Muslims, along with other minority ethnic and faith communities, and the positive contribution they make to society, culture and the economy.

This year's Eid festival will be a poignant occasion after the flooding in Pakistan, the First Minister said. He also praised the work in mosques throughout Scotland in collecting aid for victims of the disaster.