THE SCOTTISH Government has announced funding to tackle bigotry in Scotland.
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Roseanna Cunningham said the money would go to four organisations working to eradicate the problem.
Sense Over Sectarianism, Nil by Mouth, Show Bigotry the Red Card, and the Iona Community will all receive a share of £272,000 funding during the next year to build on and develop work already underway in rooting sectarianism out of our communities.
The money is going to four organisations Photo:Meridith Fletcher
Ms Cunningham said: “The Scottish Government greatly values the excellent work carried out by organisations to tackle the scourge of bigotry and hatred – be that on the terraces, in the street or at the workplace.
“Hatred of any kind has no place in modern Scotland and we need to do everything we can to stop it wherever and whenever it occurs, whilst tackling the root causes. Each of these organisations awarded funding today have been doing some fantastic work and making very positive progress over the past 12 months and we want that to good work to continue.
“This announcement today will allow these organisations to continue and develop their existing, excellent work to eradicate it once and for all.
Nil By Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott said:“This funding will allow us to continue our pioneering work tackling sectarianism in the workplace and promoting best practice in our schools.
“We have made huge strides over the past 12 months working alongside high profile partners such as City of Edinburgh Council and the British Transport Police.
“Schools in Larkhall will next week become the first in Scotland to receive our ‘Champions for Change’ award for its efforts in tackling sectarianism.
We cannot lose the next generation to the battles of the past and this money will allow us to continue to bring our message of tolerance and change into schools, workplaces and communities across Scotland. “
Ged Grebby, Chief Executive, Show Bigotry the Red Card said: “Previous funding from the Scottish Government has allowed Show Bigotry the Red Card to roll out a variety of important anti-sectarianism educational initiatives across Scotland.
“These initiatives have enabled Show Bigotry the Red Card to educate people about the causes and consequences of sectarianism and explore the complexities around this issue, empower people to challenge sectarianism in a safe manner in the communities in which they live, promote a culture of equality and respect and contribute effectively in the development of young people into responsible citizens.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government have announced further funding for Show Bigotry the Red Card which will be invaluable in continuing and strengthening our anti-sectarianism initiatives throughout Scotland, which without this funding would not be possible. We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government.”
Alison Logan, Social Inclusion Officer at Sense Over Sectarianism said: “Sense Over Sectarianism are delighted to be part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing programme to eradicate sectarianism.
“The renewed funding will allow communities to develop creative and innovative was to explore values and attitudes surrounding sectarianism and enact change at a grass roots level.”
Sense Over Sectarianism is a partnership project which aims to enable people to challenge the existing attitudes, behaviour and assumptions which contribute to bigotry and sectarianism and division within society. It encourages communities to identify and develop solutions to the sectarianism which forms part of their everyday lives. The partners include Glasgow City Council, Celtic and Rangers Football clubs, the Glasgow Presbytery of the Church of Scotland, the Archdiocese of Glasgow and Nil By Mouth. Sense Over Sectarianism will receive £150,000 in 2012/13.
