Fife Provost Jim Leishman’s first act since his re-election was to write a heartfelt letter of condolence to the people of Manchester.
Mr Leishman said he was deeply saddened as he penned the message to Manchester Lord Mayor Andy Burnham on Wednesday.
The letter, sent on behalf of all the people of Fife, expressed shock, sympathy and support to those affected by Monday night’s horrific act of terrorism, which killed 22 people and injured 59.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with all of those grieving or affected in any way,” Mr Leishman said.
“It’s one of those tragedies in life now and it’s such a shame for all the people involved, especially with it being young children and teenagers.”
Meanwhile, a Kirkcaldy dad caught up in the attack has told of the longest four minutes of his life
.Eck Macdonald was sitting in his car outside Manchester Arena waiting for his fiance and two young children to emerge from the concert when he heard the explosion.
Eight-year-old Connan is a huge Ariana Grande fan and had been given tickets to the show for his Christmas.
Eck waited at a nearby hotel while Connan, sister Rhianna, 5, and mum Emma Christie, 30, went to the concert.
Luckily the family was at the other side of the venue from where the bomb went off, although Eck was unable to contact them for several minutes.
“I could see into the building up the stairs and it was just total chaos with people screaming and running down them and children crying,” he said.
“I immediately got out the car and started trying to phone Emma but she wasn’t answering. Her phone just kept ringing.
“I tried about eight times in four minutes and those were the longest four minutes of my life.”
When he eventually got through to her she was able to tell Eck they were safe and he was reunited with them.
“I was so relieved and just gave them all a big hug,” he said.
