Leaders of all political parties in Scotland have joined forces to urge Scots to give generously to help those affected by the earthquake that has devastated Haiti.

First Minister, Alex Salmond said:

"The thoughts and sympathies of the people of Scotland are with everyone affected by the devastating situation in Haiti. It is imperative that we all do everything that we can to support the DEC's appeal and help the people of Haiti, who have already suffered so much in recent years. I am sure that Scots will give generously. The Scottish Government stands ready to assist in any way it can. We will make at least £250,000 available to Scottish non-governmental organisations (NGOs), provide staff on temporary secondment for administrative support and make links between the NGOs and other bodies - such as local government, trade unions and business organisations - to assist in raising awareness of the fundraising campaign."

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has suffered a number of recent disasters, including four hurricanes and storms in 2008 that killed hundreds. Last week's earthquake has devastated Haiti and it is likely that more deaths will occur as a result of the country's already poor sanitation and infrastructure.

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray highlighted the need for a long term humanitarian aid program in Haiti. He said:

"I would urge the Scottish public to continue to support the Haiti appeals so we can provide the critical aid necessary for the earthquake survivors over the coming weeks. However, this is not a short term problem. We cannot forget about Haiti when the news cycle moves on as it will. Scotland must play its part in sustaining a long-term international commitment to Haiti's recovery and development."

Aid agencies are working round the clock to get food, water, shelter and medical care to the survivors of the devastating earthquake, which has killed over 100,000 people and affected three million more.

Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Annabel Goldie MSP urged Scots to offer support to agencies like the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC). Annabel said:

"We have all looked on with horror at the disaster engulfing Haiti. While it is encouraging that international aid, rescue and medical assistance are beginning to get through there is clearly a huge challenge because of so much devastated infrastructure in reaching all those who need help. What we can do is offer to support agencies like the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) by giving whatever we can afford to fund the essential provision of help for the present and the future."

Aid is now getting through to those who need it most.

Tavish Scott MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats offered his support to the people of Haiti, he said:

"Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti. Scotland's humanitarian efforts must be redoubled to assist in any practical way we can at this desperate time."

Scottish Green Party Co-Convenor Patrick Harvie acknowledged the generosity of the Scottish people. He said:

"People across Scotland are already giving generously to help the people of Haiti, but the scale of the human suffering cannot be under estimated. Please do give, or give again, and help bring food, shelter and medical care to the Haitian people."

Independent MSP, Margo McDonald praised the work of broadcasters and journalists in promoting the plight of those suffering in the quake region. The long serving member said that:

"The broadcasting and news organisations are doing a tremendous job in making sure that the whole world knows the scale and the tragedy of the quake aftermath in Haiti. This has been shown by the immediate and generous response from people here in Scotland who would probably have had difficulty in locating Haiti on a map. The tragedy has underlined the need for rapid-response teams for disasters anywhere in the world, provided by national governments and co-coordinated by an international, specialist body."

The DEC agencies are providing vital items such as food, clean water, medical care and emergency shelter. But due to the scale of the disaster, they need more funds. To make a donation to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk or call 0370 60 60 900, or text "GIVE" to 70077 (donates £5 to the DEC for Haiti (UK only)), donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank, or send a cheque made payable to 'DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal' to 'PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA'.

Anyone who wants to stay up to date with developments in Haiti, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts can follow the DEC on twitter at http://twitter.com/decappeal or become a fan of Disasters Emergency Committee on Facebook.