Algerian hostages: 'Scots' could be dead 20 January 2013 Last updated at 09:38 The Scottish government has said people with "strong Scottish connections" could be among those killed or missing following the Algerian hostage crisis. At least 23 hostages died and Algeria says 32 militants died. Three Britons are confirmed dead and three more are believed to have died. The Scottish government earlier confirmed that eight people, identified as resident in Scotland, were safe. However, ministers were unable to confirm final numbers while the hostage situation was ongoing. First Minister Alex Salmond said: "As the crisis comes to an end, we now face the difficult news that there are Scots or individuals with strong Scottish connections among those who are believed to have been killed or remain unaccounted for. We will provide details as soon as we are satisfied that the information is full and final. This evening (Saturday) two families have been informed of the position. While eight families can thankfully welcome home their loved ones, our thoughts must be with the families of those who may have been lost in Algeria. The Scottish authorities continue to offer every support to all caught up in this crisis, and we remain in close contact with the UK government. We extend our condolences to all those, of all nationalities, who have lost loved ones. Iain Strachan, 38, from Howwood in Renfrewshire, was among 100 foreign workers freed from terrorists who attacked the BP plant on Thursday. He is one of eight Scottish people to have escaped. Speaking on Algerian television, Mr Strachan said he was "very relieved to be out." "Obviously we still don't really know what's happening back on site," he said. He said the Algerian army's assistance was "fantastic." Another hostage, Mark Grant, 29, from Grangemouth, reportedly texted his wife to let her know he was safe. Alan Wright, 37, of Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, and Kenneth Whiteside, originally from Glenrothes, Fife, but now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, were also reportedly held in the attack.