SCOTLAND can be a role model in stamping out online extremist grooming, according to Muslim leaders.

Members of the Muslim community gathered in Glasgow yesterday to show a united front against terrorism following the attacks in Tunisia, Frances and Kuwait last week.

They offered their condolences to the families of victims killed in the latest atrocities, and discussed ways to stamp out extremism and stop groups such as the so-called Islamic State (IS).

Ahmad Khweir, of the Glasgow Ahl-ul-Bait Association, said there should be a focus on the role of the internet and that Scots could provide a "framework" for other countries to follow.

He said: "In Scotland there's a proactive agenda especially when it comes to the online grooming that's going on. "We're trying to source credible role models because the youth are turning to the internet.

"You can go onto a social media platform and be exposed to a whole range of views and without the right ideological framework instilled in a person they can be swayed through well executed propaganda videos, well executed campaigns.

"So there is scope for us to use this platform in a beneficial way - getting personnel on there and giving them the same attraction to the youth so they can learn from them."

Mr Khweir said Scotland could act as a "beacon of hope for how other countries can resolve this issue".

He added: "It can act as a role model for other countries and societies to work with."

Javid Gill, convener of Muslim Council of Scotland, said the organisation had been educating its members on extremism and other issues.

He said: "We gathered the imams of mosques and the mosque community members. We had five sessions during May, then Ramadan came."

The sessions including topics hate crime and how to report it, issues about forced marriage and the dangers of social media and how to combat them.

Mr Gill said: "We have no control over the internet. Therefore if the imams are educated and realise the gravity of the issue they can convey that message to the congregation that they follow, in particular the youths as well."

Mr Gill said youth leaders from Scotland were being incorporated into the education programme so that the message could be conveyed to their peers.

He said extremists would not stop "unless we are all united regardless of our faith".

"We must promote unity to counter this evil ideology."

Hassan Rabbani, of the Zia-ul-Quran Mosque in Glasgow's south side, was overcome with emotion when he heard about the attacks last week.

He said: "I was on the way to do my Friday sermon when I heard the news and I broke down and cried.

"I think it is important that we have a strong local campaign in Glasgow, it's especially important because some of the families affected in Tunisia are Scottish.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to these Scottish families.

"The role of ISIS is to break down communities, they want to prey on peoples' prejudices.

"We're not having that."

Mr Rabbani said there needed to be a bigger effort to stop people from travelling abroad to join organisations like IS.

He said: "One of the ways to tackle it is to stop people leaving the UK, it's important to keep the young people engaged.

"What's happening in the Middle East we can't control in terms of politics but whatever we can do at home we will give 100% to do that."