'Little it being done to stop it' - Muslim group urges Scottish Government to stop mosque attacks

A Muslim organisation has called on the Scottish Government to prevent the spread of extremist content after claiming “little is being done to stop” rising cases of hate crimes at mosques across Scotland.

It comes following a graffiti attack on the Edinburgh Central Mosque earlier this month.

An investigation has been launched by Police Scotland after the site on Potterrow was targeted with the words “leave Scot” and “get out of Scotland” in red spray paint.

Edinburgh Central Mosque said it was deeply concerned by the incident, while Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) said attacks on mosques, including graffiti, vandalism and threats, are becoming increasingly common.

The organisation added that the attack in Edinburgh was “sadly one of many” in recent months, pointing to a wider rise in anti-Muslim hatred and the spread of extremist far-right content online.

Glasgow Central Mosque was targeted with graffiti that read 'Scots First' last October. — Glasgow Central Mosque was targeted with graffiti that read ‘Scots First’ last October. STV News

In October last year, Glasgow Central Mosque said it was “deeply upset” after the building exterior was vandalised with “Scots First” graffiti.

MEND also pointed to Inverclyde Muslim Centre, which last year was targeted by a teenager inspired by Hitler and far-right extremists to carry out a mass murder of Muslims at the mosque.

On that occasion, the attack was foiled by police intelligence, and he was arrested outside the mosque with weapons and tactical gear. The 17-year-old was jailed for ten years.

The group have said the hate crimes create a “chilling effect” and that extremist far-right content is “spreading like wildfire”.

“Just this time last year, a radicalised teen was charged with terror offences after being caught preparing a mass-murder attack on a mosque in Greenock”, a spokesperson for the group told STV News.

“Extreme far-right content is spreading like wildfire across online spaces, and little is being done to stop it; the result is evident.

“Attacks on mosques – whether graffiti, damage, or threats – create a chilling effect well beyond the immediate incident. However, such incidents no longer surprise us.”

MEND has now called on the Scottish Government to take stronger action to counter the incidents, stressing that early intervention is essential to protect young people.

“The Scottish Government must take clear steps forward, working alongside public institutions to prevent the spread of extremist far-right content and misinformation,” the organisation said.

“Who profits from dividing our society and who wins when hard-working people are turned against each other? The lies and deceit are clearly engineered to distract us from the real issues of the day.

“As a community organisation, MEND is present all year round. We provide ongoing support through workshops which explore the root causes of Islamophobia and guidance on taking proactive steps to tackle this form of hate, through partnership and advocacy work.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that enquiries are going on into the incident, however they are now treating it as a hate crime.

A statement read: “Around 12.25pm on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, we received a report of vandalism to a building in the Potterrow area of Edinburgh.

“It’s believed the incident happened around 9.30pm on Friday, January 16. “Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances.”

Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said: “We condemn unequivocally all forms of Islamophobia and recognise the profound impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities.

“We are committed to tackling Islamophobia and all hate-related incidents, working closely with partners including Police Scotland to ensure a safe and inclusive society for everyone.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced Islamophobia to report it. We deeply value Scotland’s diverse faith and belief communities, including our Muslim communities, whose contributions continue to enrich our civic and cultural life.”