I WON’T BE SILENCED
Vile note pushed through letter box
AN award-winning Scottish journalist has told of being harassed at her own home by a vile pro-Unionist at the weekend.
Ruth Wishart, who has been a vocal supporter of the case for Scottish independence for decades, said she had contacted police over the incident during which someone pushed a Union Jack and repulsive note through her letter box.
The Argyll-based columnist, who was born in Glasgow, tweeted: “Yesterday someone took the trouble to post a Union flag through my letter box with a message suggesting pilots in bombers could use it to ID me, and it could then be hoisted when I die. Am gifting it to the police.”
The veiled threat comes after recent columns in a Scottish national newspaper in which the columnist has criticised Tory cronyism, the UK Government’s nuclear weapons intentions for Scotland and recent trade deals with failing states with poor human rights records.
Speaking at her home yesterday, Wishart told the Record: “I contacted the police this afternoon and they are going to come and pick up the package from me tomorrow.”
She added that the sick stunt would “not remotely” stop her from expressing her opinions including political viewpoints.
Polls have suggested Scots are split over whether Scotland should go it alone from the rest of the UK.
Friends and politicians yesterday voiced support for the journalist over what many will see as an attempt to silence free speech and, in particular, the outspoken critic of the UK Government and Scottish Conservative party during an ongoing debate over Scotland’s future.
Lib Dem MP and Treasury spokesperson Christine Jardine tweeted: “That’s dreadful. Well done for calling it out but I hope you’re OK.”
SNP MSP for South of Scotland Paul Whiteford also replied to Wishart’s Twitter post, saying: “Hope you are OK Ruth and that Police Scotland can trace the person who sent it.”
Broadcaster Janice Forsyth was among those who took to social media to support Wishart.
She tweeted: “Jeezo. So sorry to hear this, Ruth. X.”
Jamie Whiteford tweeted: “Unionists are getting nastier and more desperate as they see the Union crumble before their eyes.”
Dr Siobhan Walsh tweeted: “Hopefully they can trace fingerprints/ DNA and prosecute quickly as a hate crime.
“If it’s perceived that they will get away with it , horrendous incidents like this will escalate. MSP’s offices defaced yesterday too. This is coordinated.”
Police Scotland said: “Officers were called regarding a threatening communciation, advice has been given and inquiries are at an early stage.”