Scottish government announces £500k in security funding for places of worship

Scottish ministers have announced half a million pounds of security funding for places of religious worship during a visit to a Glasgow synagogue.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell outlined the new scheme, which will open later this year, while at Garnethill Synagogue, adding that religious groups would be consulted in the coming months.

Ephraim Borowski, director of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC), said: “The Jewish community very much welcomes the provision of this funding, as we are tragically all too aware of the importance of security at places of worship and other communal locations.

“Sadly, places of worship are easily identifiable targets for hate crime particularly against minority communities, when they should be places of shelter, sanctuary, and peaceful reflection.

“For many minorities, their place of worship is the one familiar refuge in an unfamiliar society, so contributing to their safety and security is tangible evidence that the Scottish Government stands with vulnerable communities to help make Scotland a welcoming environment for all.”