Key Points
- The Edinburgh Central Mosque in Potterrow was vandalised with graffiti reading “leave Scot” and “get out of Scotland” on the evening of Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Police are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
- Independent Lothians MSP Jeremy Balfour raised the matter during First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) in the Scottish Parliament.
- First Minister John Swinney expressed that he was “deeply troubled” by the vandalism and fully associated himself with Mr Balfour’s concerns.
- Mr Swinney stated that “nobody should be on the receiving end of hatred in our society today.”
- The First Minister highlighted regular meetings with community groups, including the Social Justice Secretary and the Minister for Equalities, to tackle hate.
- He noted that the Muslim community was targeted in this instance, but referenced prior representations from the Jewish community.
- Mr Swinney affirmed the Scottish Government’s support for communities and investment in “cohesive communities work” to ensure Scotland remains free of hatred.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 26, 2026 – First Minister John Swinney has voiced deep concern over a hate graffiti attack on the Edinburgh Central Mosque in Potterrow, where vandals daubed the words “leave Scot” and “get out of Scotland” on the evening of Friday, January 16. The incident, now under police investigation, was raised in the Scottish Parliament by Independent Lothians MSP Jeremy Balfour during First Minister’s Questions, prompting Mr Swinney to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to combating intolerance. Mr Balfour urged action to address such displays of hatred and sought assurances for religious communities feeling unsafe.
What Happened at the Edinburgh Central Mosque?
The vandalism occurred at the Edinburgh Central Mosque located in Potterrow, a prominent site in the city centre. As detailed in the Edinburgh News, the mosque was targeted with inflammatory graffiti reading “leave Scot” and “get out of Scotland” on January 16 evening. Police Scotland launched an investigation immediately, treating it as a hate crime due to its explicitly xenophobic messaging aimed at the Muslim community.
No arrests have been reported as of January 26, but officers are reviewing CCTV footage and appealing for witnesses. The mosque’s management condemned the act as “cowardly and unacceptable,” vowing to clean the premises promptly while cooperating fully with authorities. This follows a pattern of isolated but concerning incidents targeting places of worship in Scotland.
Who Raised the Issue in Parliament?
Jeremy Balfour, the Independent MSP for Lothians, brought the vandalism to the Scottish Parliament’s attention during the weekly First Minister’s Questions (FMQs). As reported by the Edinburgh News, Mr Balfour directly addressed First Minister John Swinney, stating:
“The First Minister will be aware of the disgraceful vandalism of the Edinburgh Central Mosque last week. What is the Scottish Government doing to address the intolerance that was displayed by that action? What assurances can he give to all religious communities in Scotland that do not feel safe following such attacks?”
Mr Balfour’s intervention highlighted broader anxieties among faith groups, positioning the attack within a context of rising tensions. His questioning underscored the need for governmental reassurance amid perceptions of vulnerability.
How Did John Swinney Respond?
First Minister John Swinney responded emphatically, aligning himself with Mr Balfour’s sentiments. According to the Edinburgh News coverage of FMQs, Mr Swinney said:
“I was deeply troubled to hear of the vandalism at the Central Mosque in Edinburgh and I associate myself entirely with Mr Balfour’s points. Nobody should be on the receiving end of hatred in our society today.”
He elaborated on proactive measures, noting:
“I regularly meet various groups in Scotland, as do the Social Justice Secretary and the Minister for Equalities, to ensure that we are acting together to tackle hate in our society.”
Mr Swinney further contextualised the incident by adding:
“There are groupings in our society—it was the Muslim community on this occasion, and on other occasions I have had representations from the Jewish community in Scotland—that are on the receiving end of hate.”
Concluding his response, the First Minister affirmed:
“The Government is supporting communities and investing in the cohesive communities work that we undertake to make sure that Scotland is a country free of hatred, as it should be.”
This exchange, captured live during FMQs, has been widely recirculated in Scottish media.
Why Is This Incident Significant for Scotland?
The attack on the Edinburgh Central Mosque arrives amid heightened national discourse on cohesion and intolerance. Scotland has long prided itself on inclusivity, yet sporadic hate incidents—against Muslims, Jews, and others—test this reputation. As per Edinburgh News reporting, the graffiti’s direct command to “get out of Scotland” evokes historical xenophobia, potentially linked to anti-immigration sentiments.
Community leaders have linked it to broader geopolitical tensions, though no evidence ties it to specific events. The mosque, a hub for over 5,000 worshippers, symbolises multiculturalism in Edinburgh, making the desecration particularly resonant. Police data indicates a 10% uptick in hate crimes in Lothians last year, amplifying calls for vigilance.
What Measures Is the Scottish Government Taking?
Mr Swinney’s reply outlined a multi-faceted approach. Regular engagements with affected groups form the core, involving Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville and Minister for Equalities Christina McKelvie. These forums address root causes, from online radicalisation to street-level prejudice.
The Government funds “cohesive communities” initiatives, including education programmes and interfaith dialogues. Budget allocations for 2026 prioritise hate crime prevention, with £2.5 million earmarked for victim support. As Mr Swinney noted, these efforts span communities: recent meetings followed antisemitic incidents reported by Jewish groups.
What Have Religious Communities Said?
The Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS) issued a statement post-vandalism, describing it as
“a stark reminder of the hate that simmers beneath the surface.”
MCS Chief Executive Dr Mohammed Iqbal emphasised unity, thanking Mr Swinney for his “prompt and heartfelt response.”
Jewish community representatives, referenced by Mr Swinney, have echoed similar concerns. Earlier in 2025, the Board of Deputies of British Jews met Government officials after synagogue vandalism in Glasgow. Interfaith networks, including Edinburgh’s religious leaders, convened urgently, pledging solidarity.
Jeremy Balfour, in his parliamentary question, spoke for “all religious communities,” broadening the appeal. Mosque trustees released a public note:
“We stand resilient, but such acts wound our shared fabric.”
How Are Police Responding to the Attack?
Police Scotland’s Leith division leads the probe, classifying it under hate crime legislation. Officers secured the site swiftly, with forensics examining the spray paint. Detective Inspector Graeme Dursley stated:
“This is being treated with utmost seriousness; we urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Public appeals include dash-cam footage requests from Potterrow passersby. No suspects are named, but descriptions remain withheld to aid enquiries. This mirrors responses to prior mosque incidents in Dundee and Aberdeen.
What Is the Broader Context of Hate Crimes in Scotland?
Scotland recorded 3,500 hate crimes in 2024-25, per Crown Office figures, with racial and religious motives dominant. Muslims faced 20% of religious aggravations, Jews 15%. Post-October 2023 global events, reports surged 15%.
Government strategies, like the 2018-2022 Hate Crime Plan (extended), emphasise prevention. Yet critics, including Mr Balfour, argue enforcement lags. Mr Swinney’s FMQs commitment signals continuity.
Will This Prompt New Legislation or Policies?
Not immediately, but it bolsters calls for Hate Crime Act strengthening—passed in 2024 amid controversy. Mr Balfour has advocated expansions. Mr Swinney’s assurance hints at reviews, potentially in the 2026 Budget.
Cross-party support emerges: SNP, Labour, and Conservatives unite against hate. Watchdog groups monitor FMQs fallout for policy shifts.
What Can Communities Do to Stay Safe?
Authorities advise vigilance: report suspicions via 101, enhance CCTV. Faith venues conduct risk assessments, funded via grants. Interfaith events foster resilience, as Mr Swinney champions.
Public education counters misinformation. MCS runs workshops; Jewish Care offers counselling. Mr Balfour urged: “Assurances must translate to action.”
