RACE hate attacks in Dunfermline have shot up by 26 per cent according to figures revealed by union GMB.

They say in the last 12 months there were 106 incidents according to information from the Procurator Fiscal Office, accounting for 22 more attacks than the year before. 

Annette Drylie, GMB Scotland's Fife Council branch secretary, said: "This is not the Dunfermline I know and love, and all right-thinking members of the community must do what they can to end this menace.

"I fear there is a belief that racist attacks don't happen in Scotland but this highlights that more needs to be done by everyone."

Police Scotland said that reports made to the Procurator Fiscal's Office in Dunfermline cover incidents in the whole West Fife area, not just Dunfermline.

A police spokesperson said: "We've recently improved the robustness of the recording and reporting procedures for hate crime in the West Fife area.

"We've also been actively involved in campaigns to encourage people to report this to us, as we know that hate crime is historically under-reported, and there are now 17 different ways to report hate crime in Fife.

"Everyone has the right to live their life free from prejudice and we are committed to helping prevent hate crime. We work closely with the local authority and our partners in education to provide regular inputs at local schools about the impact this can have on victims."

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “These figures are obviously disappointing. Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our society.

“The reported increase of race hate crimes in Dunfermline is clearly a backward step. This is a stark reminder that we, as a community, must come together to challenge the racist views of a minority.
 

“People from around the world have chosen to make Dunfermline their home. They have contributed greatly to our economy and to our culture.
 

“I want to reassure them that the vast majority of people in Scotland, including those in Dunfermline, welcome their contribution.”

Douglas Chapman, MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, commented: “Any hate or race crime is unacceptable, however, I fear that in the current climate, there are some people who appear a little less tolerant of minority groups in our society. 

“The news that Scotland has taken many more Syrian refugees than any other part of the UK says something about how we want to create an open society but we must remain vigilant against any increase in any discriminatory behaviour.

“I am sure the courts will want to send a strong message to those individuals who have been charged with this kind of behaviour.”

Police Scotland concluded: "Hate crime is perpetrated by a minority of people and we are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice when this does occur.

"We'd urge anyone who has been a victim or witness to a hate crime to call us on 101, contact a third party reporting centre or make a report online through our website. Always dial 999 when a crime is ongoing or a suspect is nearby."