A group of students who vandalised a building at Glasgow Universityhave called on the institution to divest from the arms trade.
A statement shared by the Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society is credited to “autonomous students”.
“We have sprayed the back of the Glasgow University's Gilbert Scott building with red paint on the morning of Friday 20th March 2026,” the statement reads, going on to claim that the university holds £7m worth of investment in arms firms such as BAE and Leonardo, as well as £60m in “arms research partnerships”.
The students went on to say: “The university has refused to take meaningful action towards divestment and ignored students' overwhelming support for divestment.
“To Glasgow University management, we say divest now. This is the fourth major strike against a university building, and the second time the Gilbert Scott Building has been targeted. Each escalation continues to expose the university as part of the imperial war machine."
Last summer, the building was spray painted by students seeking similar demands.
Students have been engaged in a years-long battle to convince senior managers to relinquish investments in the defence sector.
In 2025, students blocked traffic, occupied campus buildings, and camped out near the university’s main entrance.
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A Glasgow University spokesperson said: “The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
“However, we do not tolerate acts of vandalism to University property or activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.”
Police Scotland confirmed that an investigation into the incident had begun.
A spokesperson said: “Around 7.50am on Friday, 20 March, 2026, we received a report of vandalism to a building on Gilmorehill in Glasgow. Enquiries are at an early stage."
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