Politicians unite to condemn Mosque attack
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MORE condemnation has been expressed after swastikas were daubed onto Elgin Mosque on Monday night.
People from right across the political divide in Moray are expressing both their outrage at the attack, and their solidarity with the Muslim community.
Moray's MP Douglas Ross called Monday night's graffiti attack on the building in Gordon Street "totally unacceptable".
He added: "The Muslim community in Elgin have our full support at this time, and this mindless act will simply allow us to show solidarity amongst people throughout Moray, regardless of their faith, condemning this sickening behaviour
"The strong community bond in Moray will not be damaged by the reckless and thoughtless actions of a mindless individual or small group of individuals.
"I hope that anyone who has any information at all about this act of vandalism contacts the police with any information they have.
"Moray is well known as a location with low crime rates and I hope that the thoughtless actions of whoever was responsible for this vandalism will not deter people from continuing to live in peace with one and other, look out for and support each other."
Moray Councillors have also responded to the incident at the building owned by the Jamia Islamic Centre Trust Fund.
All three ward councillors also expressed their feelings.
Council leader Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) stated: “We want to make clear our support to the Muslim community at what must be a distressing time.
"The Moray Council graffiti removal team were in attendance from first thing this morning to remove the deeply offensive messages and we condemn anyone spouting such sentiments.”
John Divers (Elgin South, SNP) said: “We offer solidarity with those who have been affected by these disgusting messages and reach out to the Muslim community in Elgin to make sure they know that we don’t condone such vile acts.”
Ray McLean (Elgin South, Conservative) said: “It’s disappointing that such an act would take place in Elgin and the perpetrators should be ashamed of themselves. We must not allow this kind of abhorrent act to become the norm in Moray.”
Convener of Moray Council and Equalities Champion, Cllr Shona Morrison (Elgin North, SNP) said: “Moray is a diverse community with people from many walks of life, different countries, different interests and different religions.
"This type of criminal behaviour must not be allowed to take away from the strong community bonds that bring us all together.”
These sentiments were echoed by Jamie Halcro Johnston, the Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, who labelled the attack "cowardly".
He said: "It is nothing short of an attempt to intimidate members of Moray’s Muslim community.
"While this incident should not be allowed to damage the relationship between the mosque and the local community in Elgin, it is entirely understandable that this will be a worrying incident for those who use the mosque.
"I understand that local police will be increasing patrols in the area and that is only right.
"It is also vitally important that anyone with any information on who may have been behind this attack comes forward to ensure those responsible are caught and face justice."
