Glasgow Central Mosque: Scotland's largest mosque 'deeply upset' after 'Scots First' graffiti attack
Representatives at the mosque said Glasgow’s spirit of community and diversity would “prevail” in spite attacks on ethnic minorities.
Scotland’s largest mosque has said it is “deeply upset” by a recent graffiti attack on the wall of its building.
Glasgow Central Mosque, which is the first purpose-built mosque in Scotland’s largest city, shared a statement online alongside a picture of the graffiti that read ‘Scots First’.
Representatives of the mosque said it had always been “proud of its place” in Glasgow and would keep working to make everyone, no matter their background, feel safe and welcome in the city.
The post on Instagram said: “We were deeply upset to find graffiti on the wall of the Mosque today. Glasgow Central Mosque has always been proud of its place within civic society here in Glasgow.
“We say ‘People Make Glasgow’ and Muslims are very much part of that. In business, politics, sport, education, the NHS and beyond, Scottish Muslims have contributed to and helped shape this city.
“We remain determined to continue bringing light to our city through our many community initiatives that support the most vulnerable and offer hope to those in need.
“We will keep working to ensure Glasgow remains a place where everyone, regardless of faith or background, feels safe, valued, welcome and at home.
“Acts like this do not represent the values of Glasgow or Scotland. Our city is renowned for its warmth, diversity and sense of community, and it is that spirit which will always prevail.”
Mosque graffiti being treated as hate crime
Police Scotland confirmed a report of racially aggravated graffiti at the mosque was received. Officers are treating the incident as a hate crime.
Chief Inspector Paul Daley said: "I understand this will be deeply upsetting for both the local and Muslim communities in Glasgow and I want to reassure them we take this kind of offending seriously.
"Such vile graffiti is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are carrying out extensive enquiries and I am asking anyone with information about this incident to please contact us.
"You can speak to officers by calling 101 and quoting reference 1222 of October 27. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."