Concern as hate crimes at Scotland's mosques continue to rise

Edinburgh Central Mosque <i>(Image: Web)</i>
Edinburgh Central Mosque (Image: Web)
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A Muslim group has claimed that “little is being done” to curb rising numbers of incidents at Scottish mosques.

Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) told STV that the Scottish Government must do more to combat the spread of extremist content. 

The comments by the UK-wide organisation come after Edinburgh Central Mosque was graffitied with the words ‘leave Scot’ and ‘get out of Scotland’ earlier this month. 

The incident, which is being treated as a hate crime, is one of a number to have taken place outside mosques and Islamic centres in Scotland over the last year.

The incident occured at the Glasgow Central Mosque in October. (Image: Glasgow Central Mosque)

At the end of October, Glasgow Central Mosque said it was "deeply upset" to discover the words "Scots First" had been painted on the centre's external wall.

Similarily, two men were charged with a range of offences after allegedly threatening worshippers at Kirkcaldy Islamic Centre on Boxing Day.

In September 2025, an assailant threw a metal pole through a window at Masjid Yusuf in Clarkston. 

Two weeks later, the Bait ul Mahmood mosque in Dundee was defaced with urine and faeces. 

And a Scottish teenager inspired by Adolf Hitler was jailed for ten years in August after plotting to set Inverclyde Muslim Centre on fire.

Speaking to the broadcaster, the group said that extremist far-right content is “spreading like wildfire”.

A spokesperson said: “Attacks on mosques – whether graffiti, damage, or threats – create a chilling effect well beyond the immediate incident. However, such incidents no longer surprise us.

“The Scottish Government must take clear steps forward, working alongside public institutions to prevent the spread of extremist far-right content and misinformation,” the organisation added.


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In response, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said that the government condemns Islamophobia “unequivocally”  and recognises the impact it can have on people and communities. 

Stewart added: “We are committed to tackling Islamophobia and all hate-related incidents, working closely with partners including Police Scotland to ensure a safe and inclusive society for everyone.

“We deeply value Scotland’s diverse faith and belief communities, including our Muslim communities, whose contributions continue to enrich our civic and cultural life.”

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