Latest news with #VictimsandCommunitySafety
Glasgow Times
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Orange Order statement after Scottish Government meeting
Andrew Murray, Grand Master, Edward McGonnell, Senior Depute Grand Master and David Walters, Executive Officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. READ NEXT:Drivers raise fears at protest if taxi and private hire cap is lifted It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the Protestant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. READ NEXT:Mother and new baby turned up at homeless shelter needing help It asked the government to Provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'Establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
The National
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Orange Order issues statement after Scottish Government meeting
Andrew Murray, grand master, Edward McGonnell, senior depute grand master and David Walters, executive officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. READ MORE: The best and worst places in Scotland for food hygiene pass rates revealed It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the [[Protest]]ant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. READ MORE: Busy Scottish city street taped off by police following 'incident' It asked the government to provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-[[Protest]]ant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Youth violence campaigner begs third Swinney summit 'cannot be another talking shop'
Vicky Donald, whose teenage daughter was attacked on a school bus, pleaded: "Let's hope another child doesn't die in between this summit and the next." The mum of a schoolgirl who was brutally battered on a school bus has begged "this cannot be another talking shop" after John Swinney announced a third summit on youth violence. Vicky Donald's 15-year-old daughter, Kaylynn, was attacked during the journey on her way home from class in Ladybank, Fife, two years ago. Since then she has called for urgent action as a youth violence epidemic grips Scotland. The latest summit, and her renewed plea, comes in the wake of three blade tragedies in the last 12 months, including the deaths of 16-year-old Kory McCrimmon on May 31, 2024, Amen Teklay, 15, on March 5 this year and Kayden Moy, 16, on May 17 just last month. All three deaths have taken place amid the Record's youth violence campaign, Our Kids ... Our Future, which launched two years ago after we highlighted a concerning series of attacks on teens. As part of the campaign, we have demanded the Scottish Government to invest in young people and in initiatives to prevent violence. stop more kids from dying. "If not, then let's hope another child doesn't die in between this summit and the next." The emergency event will hear from the Justice and Education Secretaries, Ministers for Children and for Victims and Community Safety, as well as cross-party MSPs, youth workers and partners delivering violence reduction and other community programmes for young people. The gathering is expected to focus on actions through education and community engagement with young people at risk of violence and prevent them from turning to antisocial behaviour or crime - including carrying a weapon. It is the third event of its kind after similar summits were held in September 2023 and in January. During the most recent event, Vicky, Kaylynn, other victims and their families met with Swinney at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh to tell them how their attacks had impacted their lives. The sit-down was secured after Kaylynn - who was left requiring mental health support following her beating in October 2022 - demanded the First Minister to act urgently to prevent further tragedies. The family wrote to Swinney again after Kayden's death last month and slammed his government's "inaction" to combat youth violence. Vicky said: "My daughter and others already gave their time, their pain, and their voices at the last summit. They told the truth. "And what happened? More promises, more headlines—and no real change. It's become clear that this government hides behind words, summits, and staged concern. "While young people continue to suffer and communities live in fear, the First Minister offers talk instead of action. We don't need more polished statements—we need bold, immediate steps to make our streets safer. "After this, the Scottish Government simply cannot hold any more summits. "They've now heard from teachers, experts, victims and their families so by now, they should have a good picture of how bad the issue of youth violence is. "Until action is taken, all this is just theatre." Three teenage boys aged 14, 15, and 16 have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Amen, an Eritrean refugee, in Glasgow's Maryhill. In recent weeks, three teenage boys – a pair aged 17 and a 14-year-old – have appeared in court charged with the murder of Kayden, who was allegedly attacked on Irvine Beach in North Ayrshire, and died in hospital. And just last month, a 14-year-old boy was sentenced to five years detention after admitting culpable homicide following the death of Kory at Glasgow's Greenfield Park last year. Ahead of Thursday's summit, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Angela Constance said: 'It's important to be clear that Scotland remains a safe place to live. "But more needs to be done to change the attitudes and behaviours of some who are at risk of violence, or those young people who are considering carrying a weapon. There is no place for violence in Scotland and anyone who commits a crime, will face the consequences. 'Our work remains focused on ensuring our prevention and punishment measures respond to the changing behaviours of young people. This includes ensuring good school and community engagement with young people, appropriate police powers and tackling the root causes of violence. 'At this meeting we want to hear the views of the youth work and third sector representatives on what more, or different, can be done, within the current financial climate, to help address this issue. The role of youth work and grassroot community intervention is key. We all must work together to help young people feel safe and realise that carrying a knife is never the answer.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Ayr MSP urges local organisations to apply for CashBack for communities funding
Organisations across South Ayrshire can apply for a share of £26m available through the next round of the The Scottish Government initiative. An MSP, in her capacity as Minister for Victims and Community Safety, has announced £26m of funding available through the CashBack for Communities programme. SNP politician Siobhian Brown is encouraging organisations across South Ayrshire to apply for a share of the cash available through the next round of the Scottish Government initiative, which channels money recovered from criminal activity into community projects, will support initiatives working with young people at risk of involvement in crime or antisocial behaviour. Funding will be awarded for the period 2026 to 2029, with applications opening on June 12 this year. Projects eligible for support will work with young people aged 10 to 25, offering a wide range of activities, including access to trusted adults, skill-building opportunities, and pathways into education, employment, or volunteering. Since its inception in 2008, the CashBack programme has invested £156m and supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. Ms Brown said: "I'm pleased to announce this funding. CashBack for Communities transforms the proceeds of crime into opportunities, helping young people develop skills, build confidence and stay on a positive path. "Over the next three years, we're making £26 million available to organisations delivering vital work with children and young people. I urge local groups in my constituency and across Scotland to apply. This is a chance to make a lasting difference and help young people thrive." The programme is a key part of the Scottish Government's Vision for Justice and supports efforts to build safer, fairer communities.
