THREE years ago, they hardly knew Scotland existed.
Now, children whose parents were victims of the 9/11 attacks on New York know that even people thousands of miles away care about what happened that day.
Peter Martin was a lieutenant in the New York Fire Department, one of the 343 fire crew who died that day. His unit, Rescue 2, from Brooklyn, was one of the first to enter the World Trade Centre
His sons, Dan, 16, James, 11 and John, nine, with their mother Alice, are visiting Glasgow, thanks to a project by the Caring City Charity.
The children, from Long Island, New York, are among a group of 26 aged from seven to 20 on a week-long ''healing'' trip organised by the charity. All the children lost a mother or father who worked for the New York fire or police department that day.
Mrs Martin said: ''It's good for my children to see the good in the world. After 9/11, all they saw was horror. It is good for them to see that the Scots, who live so far away from us really care about us.
''I barely knew that Scotland existed three years ago, before September 11, but to know that people from so far away were so affected by our loss makes me realise that the good outweighs the bad in the world.''
The charity has named a Strathclyde Police horse New York, New York as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
It was established in 1999 to help Kosovo but has now formed a special relationship with the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey.
Alex Mosson, the former Glasgow lord provost and director of the charity, said: ''The trauma of 9/11 is ongoing and we are delighted to welcome families who lost loved ones to Glasgow.
''The charity has raised millions of pounds to help with disasters and emergencies throughout the world. We are currently offering relief to Sudan.
''However, charity begins at home and we have given a lot of money to local causes.''
The children were treated to a display by the mounted and dog branch of Strathclyde Police in Pollok Park, Glasgow. They also visited Edinburgh Castle and the Festival Fringe and rode on vintage fire engines from Greenock to Millport.
Dan Martin was very impressed by the police dog display. He said: ''The dogs were very cool. I've never seen anything like that before.''
The Rev Neil Galbraith, chief executive of the charity, said: ''It is not only an enjoyable event for the children but it also shows the special relationship the charity has with Strathclyde Police.''
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