'Kill your local politician' graffiti condemned
Last updated 21st Jan 2026
Graffiti wishing harm on local politicians has appeared on a wall in Galashiels.
Borders MP John Lamont has condemned the threat to kill as “utterly disgusting".
He says no-one "who puts themselves forward for election at any level deserves these kinds of threats".
Concerns over the security of elected representatives has come into sharp focus in recent years, following the murders of Westminster MPs Jo Cox and David Amess.
Mr Lamont's condemnation has been echoed by local MSP, and fellow Conservative politician, Rachael Hamilton; while Independent councillor Caroline Cochrane, who represents Selkirkshire on Scottish Borders Council, added: "There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in our society or our politics.”
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Some of the replies on the MP's official Facebook page, however, have been less kind, with one saying: "What did you expect? The way the government is treating the public is (disgusting). I thought the same but won't say it. Can't prosecute for thinking."
The inflammatory statement, which was discovered on a bridge over the Borders Railway at Plumtreehall Brae in Galashiels, has been reported to the police for investigation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said the graffiti had been reported on Monday morning, and investigations were at an “early stage”.
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