Tag: Islamaphobia

Community organisations speak out on race hate attacks

Statements on Edinburgh incidents

On the Friday of last week, five people were injured in a series of racist and Islamophobic attacks across Edinburgh.

We, at ELREC, value and work toward an equal, inclusive and just community free from prejudice and discrimination and we stand with all of those who were affected by the events of last weekend and who are worried for their safety.

We stand, decidedly and absolutely, against all forms of discrimination, all violence and all attempts to rob Scotland of its diversity and the people of Scotland of their safety.

We are sharing the following statement in response to the reported anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June.

**Statement from The Welcoming Association**

The Welcoming Association is deeply concerned by the reported anti-Muslim attacks that took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June.

Our thoughts are with those who were injured, their families, and everyone affected by these distressing incidents. We recognise that events of this nature can have a profound impact not only on those directly involved but also on wider communities who may feel frightened, vulnerable, or targeted.

Leith, Sighthill, Telford Road, and the other affected areas are home to many of our members, volunteers, staff, neighbours, and friends. Edinburgh’s strength lies in its diversity, and everyone should be able to live, work, worship, and move around the city safely and with dignity.

While the circumstances of these incidents remain a matter for the relevant authorities, we are clear that there is no place for racism, anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination, or violence in our communities.

At times of tension and uncertainty, it is important that we reject misinformation, challenge prejudice, and avoid narratives that seek to divide people. Strong communities are built through trust, mutual respect, understanding, and meaningful relationships between people from different backgrounds.

As an organisation that supports refugees, migrants, and other New Scots, we see every day the positive contribution that diversity brings to Edinburgh. We remain committed to promoting inclusion, strengthening community cohesion, and creating spaces where people can come together, learn from one another, and build a shared sense of belonging.

We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities across Edinburgh and Scotland, and with everyone working to promote equality, dignity, and respect for all.

There is no place for hatred or violence in our city.

We encourage our partners, supporters and wider network to stand with Muslim communities, challenge misinformation and help build an Edinburgh where everyone can live safely and with dignity.

Police: Further update on Friday evenng incidents across Edinburgh

Update following incidents that happened in Edinburgh on Friday 19 June:

We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time. Policing and communities experience the direct impact and live time reactions to international conflicts, UK incidents and online commentary.

It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.

Community cohesion is a partnership effort. Since Friday, we have engaged with over 90 multi-faith organisations and community leaders in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Local policing officers have visited businesses affected by the incident and will continue to do so. We are carrying out a community impact assessment and will closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging issues.

We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage 👉

https://orlo.uk/QQGnL

Anyone impacted by the incident can access free, confidential, emotional and practical support from Victim Support Scotland 👉https://orlo.uk/x0Grk

We would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. We are a police service for every community.

Our message is clear – there is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities.

Thank you for your continued support.

Public Protest: Plans remain in place to keep communities safe

First Minister John Swinney held further talks with Police Scotland yesterday to receive a further update on preparedness should any disorder emerge in Scotland over the weekend.

Throughout the week the First Minister has remained in regular contact with Police Scotland to discuss the ongoing situation and support work to promote community cohesion across the country. 

Earlier this week he brought faith and refugee community leaders together and held talks with leaders of political parties and Police Scotland to unequivocally condemn all forms of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia. 

The First Minister has also written to X, Meta and TikTok to ask what action they are taking to combat the spread of misinformation, and to address racist and hateful material on their platforms.

The First Minister said: “The last few days have been a challenging and worrying time for many with the scenes of violence unfolding in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“I would like to thank Police Scotland for their continued work to protect our communities. Their ongoing engagement across Scotland and enhanced patrols are vital to support community cohesion and ensure public safety.

“We remain vigilant to the potential for disorder in Scotland and I have been reassured by Police Scotland that it has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face similar challenges, and that plans and preparations are in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“While officers and staff are doing their part to keep us all safe – there is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including islamaphobia, wherever and whenever it appears, and do all we can to strengthen community cohesion.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Officers right across Scotland continue to provide reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.

“You may see more officers in our towns and cities and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.”