Mosque visit provides reassurance

SCOTLAND’S JUSTICE secretary visited a Fife mosque struck by vandals in an attempt to reassure local Muslims.

Kenny MacAskill told members of the Fife Islamic Centre that the Scottish Government and the police would continue to work with them to ensure community safety.

The building in Kirkcaldy’s St Mary’s Road was daubed with offensive graffiti earlier this month.

Police are still investigating the hate crime.

Mr McAskill, who visited with police officers and MSP David Torrance, said: “The Scottish Government values and appreciates the contribution that our faith communities make to enrich Scotland socially, culturally and economically.

“Our Muslim community is an intrinsic part of our cultural heritage in Scotland and continues to play an important and valued part in our national life.”

Naeem Khalid, manager of race equality group FRAE Fife, said: “I commend the prompt response of the police to the incident and the responsible coverage by the media.

“On behalf of Kirkcaldy Mosque, I would like to thank the minister and the police for their visit and the assurances they gave to the community.

“Everyone felt the visit was an important step towards closer relations between the Muslim community and the Scottish Government and that further cooperation is important to ensure better social cohesion and integration.”

A spokesman for the mosque said the incident had caused a great deal of anxiety.

He said: “We feel that British people stand united against intolerance and that criminals should be dealt with through the judicial process, especially if their actions are likely to cause harm to vulnerable people.”

From left: Sergeant David Hayes, justice secretary Mr Kenny MacAskill, Mohammed Aslam, Ade Johnson, of FRAE Fife, Dr Abdullah Ali and Constable Shirley Buttercase, equalities officer.