Ricky Wilson arrived in the north African country with his wife Angela and daughters Lisa and Kasia on Sunday, June 21.

They had been enjoying a wonderful time in the sun-kissed Mediterranean resort until all hell broke loose on Friday when a gunman started firing at holidaymakers on the beach.

It's understood at least 15 British citizens are among the dead but officials say that number is expected to rise as victims are formally identified.

Ricky, 46, and his family were among the lucky ones to have avoided the carnage but he says there's little chance of things returning to normal anytime soon.

Posting on social media, Ricky told friends back home in Johnstone: “A wee update on our situation out here. Firstly, we're all good and safe and they've got armed guards at the gate and beach. The police and army have a high profile drive-by every 10 minutes. Advice is to stay in the hotel and not to venture out.” The family are due to fly home on July 7 but they are still not sure whether they will stay for the duration or return home earlier than planned.

Ricky told The Gazette they were finding it difficult to obtain clear information from their tour operator Thomas Cook but said the Tunisian people were going out of their way to make sure they are safe.

Meanwhile, a Paisley man is also among the British tourists caught up in the aftermath of the Tunisia terrorist attack.

Gordon Hughes was staying at the El Mouradi Club Kantaoui hotel close to the beach where tourists lost their lives in a hail of gunfire.

Mr Hughes posted a photo of the beach and a message on social media, which said: "Will never forget this beach in a hurry. We have just been told 38 dead and 36 injured."

It's understood Mr Hughes is one of thousands of tourists attempting to return to the UK in the wake of the atrocity.

Also among those caught up in the chaos was Barrhead man Darren McCullagh who was on holiday with his girlfriend.

In an interview with Sky News Darren's mother Moya said her son and his girlfriend witnessed horrific scenes at the beach where the terrorists struck.

She said the couple had taken refuge in a hotel laundry room as the chaos unfolded.

A member of his family later told our reporter the 23-year-old was "safe and well at this moment in time".

It's understood that as many as 38 people have been killed in the terrorist violence with 15 British citizens among the bodies identified so far.

Prime minister David Cameron told a press conference the public can expect the British death toll to rise.

Islamic State extremists have claimed responsibility for the massacre at the Mediterranean resort.

Tunisia officials have released an image of a 23-year-old man named Seifeddine Rezugi who is believed to be the gunmen who was shot dead by police.

Meanwhile, British tourists have started arriving back in the UK with many cheering with relief upon arrival at Gatwick Airport.

However, many more UK residents remain in Tunisia as they try to arrange flights home.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We are closely monitoring the horrifying situation in Tunisia and our thoughts are with those affected and families worried about loved ones.

"The Scottish Government is in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and we stand ready to offer assistance."

Prime Minister David Cameron said he is "sickened" by the attacks and other recent atrocities in France and Kuwait.

The Foreign Office said people in the UK concerned about relatives in Tunisia should call them on 0207 208 1500.

A spokesman said any British nationals in Tunisia should make contact with the embassy there.