First Minister Alex Salmond has pledged to find "many
ways" to respond to the "extraordinary" devastation caused by
the earthquake in Haiti.

The Scottish Government "stands ready to assist"
and could send financial aid.

Mr Salmond spoke about the Haiti earthquake at the start of
First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament and said the thoughts of
all MSPs were "with the people of Haiti at this very difficult time".

The SNP leader said: "The Scottish Government is
considering how best to respond to the situation and stands ready to assist,
including potential financial assistance."

Culture and External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop will be
meeting some of the organisations which work in Haiti to find out what the
Government can do to help in the aftermath of the quake, which is thought to
have killed tens of thousands of people.

Mr Salmond urged the Scottish public to support the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and said the Scottish launch of the appeal will take place tomorrow in
Glasgow.

"It is imperative that we all do everything we can to
support these organisations and I would encourage all members of the public to
support that appeal when it is launched tomorrow.

"The minister's meeting will follow that
launch of the appeal, and the Scottish Government will be contributing and
finding many ways to help what is an extraordinary, devastating international
situation."