Police probing ‘death threats’ by Nationalists
COUNCILLORS’ claims that they were intimidated by SNP activists who made death threats are being investigated by police.
A large group of protesters allegedly harassed Unionist politicians at a local authority meeting and left them fearing for their safety.
Two councillors say they were subjected to death threats.
The activists were also seen throwing a banner with the slogan, ‘And lo Labour stinketh in its desperate rancid death throes’, on to a Labour councillor’s chair.
Falkirk Council is run by a minority SNP administration but Labour and the Tories teamed up to get more seats on the executive committee.
The move sparked a backlash among Nationalists and about 50 protesters attended a council meeting on April 5.
Tory councillor James Kerr said that as he left the chamber with Labour group leader Dennis Goldie, he heard a woman say: ‘I hope you two die, you’re getting it tonight.’
Mr Goldie said that when he ‘went through the doors out of the council chambers, people were screaming at me, “You better be very careful and tell your family to be careful, too”.’
Labour councillor Robert Bissett said that as he was leaving the chamber, someone shouted at him: ‘I hope you die soon.’
Provost Billy Buchanan fears SNP protesters are now planning to disrupt an event tonight for OAPs in Falkirk at which Mr Buchanan, a singer, will be providing entertainment.
A Facebook post by Lorraine Alexander, a constituency assistant for SNP Falkirk East MSP Angus MacDonald, warns Mr Buchanan: ‘People will not forget that you supported the Tories and gave them power in Falkirk… So Billy Buchanan, be feart [afraid], be really feart.’ Last night, independent councillor Mr Buchanan said: ‘It crosses a line when elected members are being threatened.
‘It’s utterly unacceptable behaviour and Nicola Sturgeon should act now.’
Mr Bissett has organised an event for up to 100 pensioners at Bainsford Community Hall in Falkirk. But Facebook posts suggest protesters are planning to disrupt the singalong.
Mrs Alexander posted on Facebook: ‘We should all get tickets lol [laughing out loud].’
Last night, Malcolm Nicol, Tory group leader at Falkirk Council, said the SNP risked ‘becoming a pariah party’.
Police Scotland said ‘inquiries are being carried out to establish if there is any criminality’ regarding the council meeting on April 5, while officers will monitor tonight’s event.
Mrs Alexander was unavailable for comment. Party sources said they did not believe her online comments were intended to be physically threatening.
An SNP spokesman said: ‘Abuse and threatening behaviour have no place in politics.
‘However, the right to protest is an important tenet of our democracy and there will be strong views locally where Labour are siding with the Tory party to bring down a democratically elected SNP council.’