MSP praises Scottish generosity

MSP Patricia Ferguson praised the relief effort

An executive minister has praised the "magnificent" response of Scots to the south Asian tsunami disaster.

Patricia Ferguson, minister for tourism, culture and sports, pledged the executive's continued support on a visit to Save the Children.

Eleven Scottish Executive staff are working at various charities helping with the aftermath of the disaster.

The Church of Scotland is to give £60,000 to relief and reconstruction work in the devastated area.

'Unprecedented response'

Ms Ferguson, who is responsible for co-ordinating the executive's work with overseas aid organisations, said: "We have all been deeply shocked by the horrific events that have unfolded in south-east Asia over the past two weeks, claiming the lives of so many and causing ongoing suffering for so many more.

"Yet we have also witnessed an unprecedented response from the public, including here in Scotland where people raised £3.5m in just 48 hours and continue to give.

"This magnificent response reinforces Scotland's reputation as a generous and giving nation."

She went on to praise volunteers raising funds at a Save the Children shop in Edinburgh, a contribution which she said was replicated across Scotland.

The seconded executive staff are working at Mercy Corps, the Red Cross and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund in Edinburgh.

Church donation

One executive employee, Dhana Wadugodapitiya, is in Sri Lanka.

Ms Ferguson said: "Dhana, who has family in Sri Lanka, is assisting with the aid effort by taking on administrative duties in Colombo to free up local staff to work on the ground."

The Church of Scotland's donation is in addition to the money raised by its congregations and individual members.

The money will support the relief effort of the Kirk's partner churches in the region.

The moderator of the Kirk's general assembly, Dr Alison Elliot, is currently visiting the region.

Her visiting group has already distributed £4,300 of the £60,000 so it can be spent on the most urgent projects.

'Utterly helpless'

Glasgow businessman Sir Jack Harvie has donated £50,000 to the Tsunami Appeal which is to be spent on sending two Scottish doctors to work in one of the worst-affected areas.

Sir Jack, 69, who is chairman of Govan-based Central Building Contractors, said: "Like most people, I felt utterly helpless when I saw TV pictures of the devastation caused by the tsunamis.

"It breaks your heart to see the orphans who have been left behind by the disaster. Who is going to care for them?

"Fortunately, I am in a position to write a cheque but I am full of admiration for those who will leave this country to put their expertise to good effect."

Sir Jack urged other businesses to also make donations.