Liddell pays tribute in New York

Mrs Liddell travelled to New York to lay a wreath

The Scottish Secretary has travelled to New York on Friday to lay a wreath at a memorial service for the police and fire fighters who perished in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.

Helen Liddell visit to the city is part of a wider tour aimed at strengthening the links between Scotland and the United States and Canada.

Five weeks after the attacks, work is still going on where the Twin Towers used to stand.

Among the thousands killed, hundreds of emergency workers also lost their lives.

Helen Liddell: "We stand united"

On Friday afternoon Mrs Liddell paid tribute to them by laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Scotland.

Speaking outside the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, close to Ground Zero, Mrs Liddell said: "The last time I was in New York I actually spoke in the World Trade Centre.

"When I came last night and saw the skyline with that hole in it, nothing prepares you for that.

"We in Scotland saw the events on television. Nothing prepares you for what it is actually like.

"I am greatly moved by the comfort that has been extended and out of evil does come good.

I have met many friends of Scotland here in New York

Helen Liddell

"This has drawn together not just the people of America but the people of America and Britain. We stand untied, recognising their loss and that we have suffered too."

With many millions of Americans claiming Scottish roots and ancestory, ministers are keen to strengthen business and tourism links between the two countries.

One week after the 11 September terrorist attacks, the Scottish secretary called for "cool heads" as Scotland waited to assess its economic impact.

Mrs Liddell warned politicians and the general public alike, not to talk the country into economic crisis.

Since then, Scotland's economy has suffered as a consequence of the worldwide aviation industry slump.

Addressing an audience at Columbia University the Scottish Secretary said: "I hope to make contacts that will be good for our friends around the world, and also benefit Scotland, not just in terms of immediate business or revenue from tourism, but by strengthening our economic base.

"It is an ideal opportunity to highlight all that is best in Scottish Life, Scottish culture, Scottish enterprise and also where this symposium is concerned, the Scottish mind.

"I have met many friends of Scotland here in New York.

"Today we touched upon Scotland's legacy in the United States and I hope that today's event helps to build upon that, creating a future of co-operation and friendship between our two nations."