Tunisia: Four Scots confirmed among dead by police

Tourists look at flowers that have been laid on the beach near the RIU Imperial Marhaba hotel in Sousse, Tunisia. Picture: PA

Jim and Ann McQuire, from Cumbernauld, and Billy and Lisa Graham from Bankfoot, Perthshire, were among 38 people killed by a gunman with links to Islamic State extremists.

Speaking after chairing a Scottish Government resilience meeting on the incident, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to the victims.

She said: “My deepest condolences go to the families and friends of James and Anne McQuire from Cumbernauld and Billy and Lisa Graham from Bankfoot following official confirmation that they were killed in the terrorist atrocity that unfolded in Tunisia on Friday.

Billy and Lisa Graham, two of four Scots confirmed dead by Police Scotland. Picture: SWNS

“The Scottish Government, Police Scotland and our partners will continue to do everything we possibly can to provide support to their families and everyone else affected by this incident as they return to Scotland.

“Both families have requested that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time and I would ask that they are given time to grieve in private.”

Commenting on the deaths of Mr and Mrs Graham, Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: “I am deeply sorry that the deaths have been confirmed of my constituents Billy and Lisa Graham in the terrorist atrocity in Tunisia. I have spoken with their daughter Holly over the last few very difficult days, and my heart goes out to her at this tragic news.

“Mr and Mrs Graham were simply enjoying a relaxing holiday when they became victims of this wicked crime. There are no words that can explain the awfulness of this act. We must all remain resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism.

Jim and Ann McQuire were also killed in the attack in Sousse, Tunisia. Picture: PA

“It has been a difficult and protracted process to secure the identification of victims and for Mr and Mrs Graham this has resulted in this terrible news. Their loss will be felt by the local community in Bankfoot but most acutely by the family and friends they leave behind. I will give every support I can to their daughter Holly and her family in the period ahead to assist in any way that I can.

“This will be a difficult time for the family and we should all respect their privacy at this time.”

Repatriations of the British victims of the Tunisian beach massacre are expected to begin today Downing Street has said.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s official spokeswoman said that 21 Britons have been “positively identified” as victims of the murder spree, while another nine UK nationals are believed to be among the dead.

All wounded Britons have now been brought back to the UK, with four severely injured holidaymakers flown home in an RAF C17 transport plane accompanied by “medevac” teams.