'Stop the Boats' graffiti in Galashiels prompts police probe
Police have confirmed their investigating reports of "offensive graffiti" which appeared throughout Galashiels this week.
The community council has shared images of "Stop the boats" slogans which appear to have been spray-painted outside the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in the town's High Street, and a similar message on Douglas Bridge - near the Transport Interchange.
A third incident has also been reported at the roundabout near to Gala Water Retail Park.
Officers believe those responsible struck around 4am yesterday (Tuesday).
Local SNP MSP Calum Kerr said: "People hold different views on immigration and asylum, and they’re entitled to debate them. Spraying slogans on the town’s streets is not how that’s done.
"It costs local services money to clean up and causes upset in the community."
READ MORE: Court hears Boxing Day attack left man permanently scarred
Local Green Party councillor Neil MacKinnon said he was "appalled and saddened to see this type of graffiti in Gala".
“‘Stop the boats’ is a racist trope, used by those who hate all immigration and those from different races and cultures," he added.
"The presence of far-right parties such as Reform in our politics has emboldened these people, it's like it's okay to be racist again.”
Councillor MacKinnon also questioned the relevance of the message, pointing to figures showing small boat arrivals were around 40 per cent lower than the previous year.
He added: “The country faces far bigger challenges than a few thousand people arriving on our shores.
“You could stop all immigration tomorrow and the life of the person who has drawn this wouldn't improve one bit.”
READ MORE: Police swoop on Eyemouth following report of man with crossbow
Police Scotland has confirmed that enquiries into the incidents are ongoing.
Constable Mark Froud said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who has any information about those responsible to get in touch.
“I would also ask anyone who was in these areas around the time, and may have dash-cam or private CCTV that could assist, to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0624 of November 3rd.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/