More than 700 race hate crimes over three years

ATTACK: Dundee saw five recorded incidents in days after May terror bombing

Five instances of racist hate crime were recorded in Dundee during a 12-day period after May’s deadly terror attack in Manchester.

Between Tuesday May 22 – the day of the attack – and Friday June 2, Police Scotland recorded five examples of abuse relating to race in Dundee.

In both Perth and Kinross and Angus, there was one instance of racial crime during the same period in both areas.

In all, more than 700 racist hate crimes have been recorded on Tayside between 2014 and 2017.

Dundee city recorded by far the highest level, with 395 instances noted by police during the four-year period.

A total of 145 instances were recorded in Angus and 211 noted in Perth and Kinross.

There were 36 examples of religious hate crime also recorded across the region between 2014 and 2017.

Show Racism The Red Card campaign manager Nicola Hay said: “There are an increasing number of racist hate crimes being reported across Scotland.

“Such behaviour is absolutely disgusting and has no place in a progressive Scotland.

“Racist attitudes are supported by misinformation, therefore education and the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about these issues is needed now more than ever.

“Show Racism the Red Card is working hard to educate against racism as we firmly believe this is the best way to change attitudes.

“Together we can make a difference, together we can create a Scotland for all, free from prejudice and discrimination.”

Despite the claims, the level of recorded racial hate in Tayside has dipped dramatically in recent years.

In Dundee, instances of hate crime relating to race peaked in 2015/2016, when 154 instances were noted.

During 2017/2018, however, only 18 examples have been noted.

In Perth and Kinross, the figure has fallen from 70 to 10 between the two dates. In Angus, the figure dropped from 56 to just eight.

Scottish Government communities secretary Angela Constance said: “There’s no excuse for any form of hate crime and we are working with Police Scotland and others to increase awareness of it and response to it.

“The Government has commissioned an independent review of all hate crime legislation in Scotland, to report early next year.”