Cops probe hate crime on Isle of Arran after Pride decorations removed
Police are investigating a hate crime on the Isle of Arran after Pride decorations were removed through the night.
This morning (Saturday May 31) between 2am and 7am flags and banners for the island's LGBTQ parade were pulled down from Main Street, Brodick.
The incident is being investigated as a hate crime and it is understood that the force are following positive lines of enquiry.
Sergeant Clare Neilson, Arran Police Office, is appealing for witnesses to come forward.
She said: "We are taking this very seriously and are following positive lines of enquiry. If anyone has any information or saw people acting suspiciously, get in touch.
"Anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage should check to see if they captured anything. Call 101, quoting reference 0975 of 31 May, 2025 if you have any information that can help our investigation."
Earlier this month, in a separate incident, we reported that Glasgow Pride has banned political parties from attending.
Glasgow Pride announced the move on Tuesday, mirroring similar decisions taken by other such events in the UK, calling for 'concrete action' to protect transgender people in the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.
The Court ruled that the Equality Act's definition of sex is related to biological sex.
In a statement on social media, organisers said politicians are welcome to attend, but must do so 'as an individual, elected representative for your local community'.
Parties however will not be allowed space during the march, while their representatives will not be allowed to speak.
The statement said: 'Glasgow's Pride stands alongside our trans siblings facing mounting challenges to their rights across the UK and worldwide. Our resolve is clear: to safeguard progress and prevent its reversal.
'The dignity, safety and humanity of the trans community are fundamental rights – not points for debate, delay or denial. The recent UK Supreme Court ruling illuminates the pressing need for action, strengthening our determination to advocate for meaningful change that protects and elevates trans lives.'
Organisers pushed for politicians to commit to 'timely and dignified access' to gender-affirming care, 'full and enforceable protections under the Equality Act for all, extending beyond anti-discrimination measures' and for the gender recognition process to mirror that which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2022 and subsequently blocked by the UK Government.
'These achievable goals represent our baseline expectations for genuine support and authentic representation of all community members,' the statement continued.
'This decision invites elected representatives of all political parties and decision makers to fulfil their responsibility to constituents by moving beyond symbolism to substantive action by adequately protected these rights.
'Pride exists as a movement for LGBTQIA+ rights – not as a platform for political visibility, point-scoring or clout.
'These rights should be universal regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation, and elected representatives hold the power to effect change.'
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