On the 36th anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has reflected on the tragedy that claimed the lives of 270 people and left an indelible mark on Scotland and

the world. The bombing, which occurred on December 21, 1988, when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in modern history.

In his remarks, Ian Murray emphasized the enduring pain and loss felt by the victims' families and communities affected by the bombing.

“Thirty six years on from the terrible tragedy of the Lockerbie bombing, it is right that we take time to remember those who lost their lives, and indeed all those affected by what happened that night. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the 270 who perished in the air and on the ground, and all those in the town who saw such devastation rain down on them.

I know that there are strong and enduring links between the Lockerbie community and Syracuse University, and it is heartening to know that something positive has come out of such unimaginable horror”.

The bombing led to an extensive international investigation, culminating in the conviction of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, a Libyan intelligence officer, in 2001. However, questions about the attack's planning and execution, as well as calls for further investigations, have persisted over the years. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.