Councillors have hit back after ‘racist graffiti’ was scrawled across an area of Glasgow.
Local representatives in Knightswood have joined together to condemn graffiti which appeared on walls, electricity boxes, and bins in the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward earlier this week.
Statements reading ‘say no to Islam’ and ‘stop the boats’ were spotted on various roads in the city’s north-west, including Kingsway Court and Anniesland Road.
An open letter published on Wednesday, August 27, was signed by councillors Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Cunningham, Bill Butler, Eva Murray, as well as Bill Kidd MSP and Patricia Ferguson MP.
It states that “there is no place for racism, bigotry, and discrimination” in the community.
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The letter reads: “The graffiti that was seen in the Knightswood area yesterday (August 26), is completely unacceptable.
“There is no place for racism, bigotry, or discrimination in our community. Every policy, including immigration, is entitled to be debated with respect given to those with differing viewpoints.
“Resorting to racist graffiti is not a debate; it is an attempt to intimidate and marginalise members of our community who contribute so much to its strength and diversity.
“If the perpetrator(s) of this action are identified, appropriate legal action should be swift. To anyone who feels less welcome because of these incidents, let us be clear: these views do not reflect the values of the communities that make up our local area.
“The overwhelming majority stand firmly against hate, and for a community built on respect, dignity, and solidarity.
“All people, of all faiths and none, are valued members of our community.”
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A statement on yesterday's unacceptable graffiti in Knightswood. pic.twitter.com/QNlNrlGeci
— Cllr Malcolm Mitchell 🏴 🇺🇦 (@RealMalcolmM) August 27, 2025
It comes after a community group said it was ‘deeply concerned’ over the graffiti, which it described as ‘anti-migrant’.
Kingsway Community Connections slammed the statements which had appeared near its centre on Kingsway Court.
Lainy Bedingfield, managing director of KCC, previously commented: “KCC’s staff are proud to serve a vibrant and multicultural community.
"This graffiti does not represent the values of our community, where people from all walks of life contribute positively every day.
“We are committed to challenging divisive behaviour and will continue to foster integration, respect and belonging.
“Acts like this will not deter us from our mission. Instead, they highlight the importance of our ongoing work to bring communities together and to stand against prejudice in all its forms.”
The charity stated at the time that it was working with local partners to ensure residents feel safe and supported.
Lainy added: “I know times are hard and people are feeling left behind, but blaming migrants or faith communities will never bring the change we need.
“The real issues are inequality, austerity and years of decisions that have left services under strain.
"Here in Kingsway, we know the strength of standing together. We are proud of our diversity, and we will keep building a community where everyone feels safe, valued and at home.”
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Police Scotland confirmed an investigation into the incidents remains ongoing.
A spokesperson for the force previously commented: “On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, we received a report of offensive graffiti at Kingsway Court and Anniesland Road, Glasgow.
“Enquiries are ongoing and the relevant agencies have been advised.”
