Lodge boss slams ‘sickening’ firebug attack on Orange Hall
AN ORANGE Hall has been damaged in a “sickening” attack by firebugs. Emergency services were called to the Springburn Orange Hall on Millarbank Street at around 7.15pm on Sunday, in what lodge chiefs say is the tenth of such attacks on their premises this year.
Police Scotland is treating the fire as “wilful”.
SNP councillor Christina Cannon says she has been left “very disappointed” over the incident, and urged anyone with information to contact police.
Orange Grand Master Jim McHarg said: “Once again I have to report and totally condemn another arson hate attack on an Orange Hall.
“Members of the were disgusted.
“This is a truly sickening incident and one which clearly had a clear sectarian motive.
“The moronic hate-filled individuals responsible are a blight on the local community and ought to be ashamed of their actions.”
Mr McHarg says CCTV of the incident has been passed over to the police.
He added: “I have been delighted to see the positive impact our members and lodges are having in their communities across local lodge the country, with the charitable giving and assistance shown to people of all faiths and none during this pandemic, something you won’t view in any national newspaper.
“While we help others, we continue to have intolerance and hatred inflicted upon our orange existence.
“This really is a despicable action and we would call on all to condemn the attack.”
Cllr Cannon posted “I have been on Facebook: contacted about the fire raising at Springburn Orange Halls last night.
“I am very disappointed as this building and its members are working in partnership with other organisations across Springburn and further afield in the community response to coronavirus.
“If anyone has any information, please contact the Police on 101. Stay safe.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Around 7.45pm on Sunday, police were called to a report of a fire in Keppochhill Road, Glasgow.
“No-one was injured and officers are treating the fire as wilful.
“Inquiries are continuing and detectives are appealing to anyone with information that may assist their investigation, or anyone driving on Keppochhill Road around that time with dash-cam footage to contact them.”
Information can be passed to police through 101 quoting reference 2993 of May 11.