Eastwood MSP, Jackson Carlaw and the First Minister, John Swinney MSP intend to visit St Joseph’s Primary in solidarity with the school following vandalism of an anti-Catholic nature.
In recent weeks, the multi-use games area (MUGA) at St Joseph’s Primary in Busby was set on fire and this was followed by the spray painting of offensive graffiti at the sports field.
On the evenings of Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th March, further graffiti was reported to have been spray painted at St Joseph’s and with discriminatory anti-Catholic messaging appearing on the school building.
An outdoor classroom for young children was then subject to an Arson attack on Sunday 23rd March.
At First Minister’s Questions today, the school’s local MSP, Jackson Carlaw raised the incidents with John Swinney and to seek his support in standing with parents, pupils and teachers against faith-based discrimination.
Mr Swinney agreed with Mr Carlaw’s remarks and strongly stated that behaviour of this nature has never had any place in Scottish society.
Mr Swinney also made the offer of visiting St Joseph’s jointly with Mr Carlaw and to do a Q&A with pupils.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“At the beginning of March, St Joseph’s Primary in Busby received a glowing report from Education Scotland to acknowledge the outstanding learning environment at the school.
“Just weeks later, the school has been subject to shameful targeted attacks including the spray painting of offensive and sectarian graffiti, vandals setting fire to the multi-use games area and an arson attack at an outdoor learning space for young children.
“Discriminatory anti-Catholic vandalism is reprehensible and the whole school community has been left shaken by the attacks.
“Given the ongoing nature of the shameful incidents, I raised the matter directly with John Swinney at First Minister’s Questions and to highlight that there is no place for sectarian attacks on local schools.
“Here in Scotland, faith must not be used as a force for division but together all faiths and those of none have to work and come together to create the community in which we all want to live.”
“I am grateful to the First Minister for his message of support, condemnation of the attacks and his offer of a joint visit to St Joseph’s where we can show solidarity with the pupils, parents and teachers.
“Of course, I am delighted to accept and look forward to visiting the school with the First Minister.”
