Rainbow flag flies

FOR THE second time this week Shetland Islands Council has been flying a flag at half-mast over Lerwick Town Hall.

On Friday the Union Jack was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for murdered Labour MP Jo Cox.

On Saturday the rainbow flag could be seen above the town hall demonstrating support for those affected by the mass in a gay nightclub in Orlando in which 49 people were killed and a further 53 wounded.

Convener Malcolm Bell said: “In common with many other places around the world, this is a symbolic gesture to show our support for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Shetland and elsewhere, following the dreadful events in Orlando last weekend.

“As the details of the tragedy have unfolded in recent days, it only strengthens our resolve to stand together to tackle discrimination, hate crime and intolerance wherever it occurs.”