Stamping Out Sectarianism

The Scottish government has confirmed that a further £3 million will be invested in community projects over the coming year.

Rates of religiously aggravated offending fell by 15% last year but ministers say there's no room for complacency.

Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Paul Wheelhouse, has announced that £2.3 million is to be allocated to 38 community projects throughout Scotland. The Scottish Government are currently identifying further activities to benefit from the remaining cash.

Mr Wheelhouse said: “The Scottish Government is committed to tackling sectarianism. We have already invested £9 million over the last three years to support, among other things, community-based efforts in dealing with sectarianism and this additional £3 million of funding will allow the issue to continue to be addressed at a local level.

“No one should have to face discrimination or prejudice in any form in 21st century Scotland. It is never acceptable and it will not be tolerated.

“We welcome the fact that religiously aggravated offending is falling and is now at its lowest level in a decade – last year alone there was a 15% decrease. However we will continue to do all that we can to address the issue of sectarianism in Scotland.

“Communities are at the heart of our work to tackle sectarianism and that is why we have committed a further £3 million to support this agenda and to continue to work with, and in, local communities to tackle this issue in the most appropriate way.

“We are confident that these projects will help us to continue to reduce sectarian attitudes and behaviours and help to finally rid Scotland of the prejudices of the past"