LAST week the UK witnessed a horrific, barbaric attack on an innocent man in Woolwich, London, and I would like to join others in condemning the murder.

My thoughts are with the family of Drummer Lee Rigby and those who knew him, particularly his wife and two-year-old son.

It is extremely important the community in Woolwich comes together to form a united front and that the fear and hatred those who commit terror try to sow do not prevail.

I have faith people will know these were the actions of a tiny minority, not of one race or religion.

When Glasgow Airport was hit by a terror attack in 2007, all the political parties came together to condemn the actions of those involved, while First Minister Alex Salmond visited the airport and Glasgow Central Mosque the day after the attack.

These actions helped to ease tension in the aftermath and community relations were not damaged by the incident.

We have also seen communities in Glasgow pull together after similar events, such as in the case of the murder of 15-year-old Kriss Donald.

In the immediate aftermath, the BNP tried to exploit his death and make political capital out of it.

But Kriss's mother, Angela, refused to let his murder be used to promote hatred and racism.

She spoke out against the BNP leadership visiting Pollokshields and urged the public not to target the Asian community because of Kriss's death.

I hope the community in Woolwich pulls together in the same way, and asserts collectively that the actions of those involved are not in their name.

On a different note, I welcome the First Minister's announcement that 1000 training and volunteering places will be offered to those aged 16-24 who are out of work, as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Legacy programme.

With the opportunity to volunteer at some of the fantastic cultural and sporting events Glasgow has to offer, such as Celtic Connections and the Gymnastics World Cup, this is a great chance to gain beneficial skills and experience.

This Scottish Government is committed to reducing youth unemployment and supporting young people into employment – be it through our guarantee that all 16-19-year-olds will have an employment or training opportunity, or through our Modern Apprenticeships scheme.

I congratulate all Scotland's Modern Apprentices who are helping to benefit employers and the economy, as well as learning skills that can help them to build a successful career.

Finally, I want to congratulate Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project, which has won a 2013 GSK Impact Award.

It provides a vital service for men and women in the East End whose lives have been touched by substance abuse in different ways.

It is fantastic this grassroots initiative has been recognised in this manner.

I have faith people will know these were the actions of a tiny minority, not of one race or religion