Listen
Minister visits Edinburgh mosque
06/07/2007
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today met with members of Edinburgh Central Mosque to discuss how good relations can be maintained with the Muslim community following the Glasgow Airport incident.
Mr MacAskill was joined on his visit to the Mosque by Deputy Chief Constable Tom Halpin and Inspector Moore McCartney from Lothian Borders Police and Edinburgh City Council Leader Jenny Dawe.
They met with people of different faiths, with talks focusing on how the community has dealt with the aftermath of the Glasgow incident and how the Scottish government can work with them to ensure good relations are strengthened.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Macaskill said:
"Scots Muslims are a hugely important and highly regarded part of modern Scotland. They do tremendous things for Scottish life and are very much valued as part of Scottish society. Communities don't commit outrages, individuals do.
"There are many threads to the Scottish tartan and many communities in modern Scotland. None of those communities should feel in any way scapegoated as a result of this incident.
"That's why I've arranged to meet with Mosque representatives and people from communities across the faith spectrum at the Mosque today. I will be listening to them and assuring them that the Scottish Government will not allow Scotland to become divided - that our community bonds will remain strong."
The City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jenny Dawe said:
"It's important that we unite to reassure and protect every citizen. All of our communities are equally at risk from, and abhor, cowardly and indiscriminate acts but certain minority ethnic communities understandably feel vulnerable. Race-related crime has no place in our society and the Council, working with our faith and minority communities, the police and other partners, is determined to ensure the continued safety of all of our residents."