Community group 'deeply concerned' after 'anti-migrant' graffiti appears

A Glasgow community group says it is "deeply concerned" after "anti-migrant" graffiti was scrawled across the area.

Kingsway Community Connections (KCC) has hit out after statements reading "say no to Islam" and "stop the boats" appeared on walls, electricity boxes, and bins near its centre in Knightswood earlier this week.

(Image: Kingsway Community Connections) Graffiti appeared on the bridge over the railway on Cairntoul Drive (Image: Kingsway Community Connections)

Lainy Bedingfield, managing director of KCC, stated that the graffiti does not represent the values of the community in north-west Glasgow.

She said: “KCC’s staff are proud to serve a vibrant and multicultural community. This graffiti does not represent the values of our community, where people from all walks of life contribute positively every day.

“We are committed to challenging divisive behaviour and will continue to foster integration, respect and belonging.

“Acts like this will not deter us from our mission. Instead, they highlight the importance of our ongoing work to bring communities together and to stand against prejudice in all its forms.”

(Image: Kingsway Community Connections) Graffiti on a wall at Knightswood Shopping Centre (Image: Kingsway Community Connections)

KCC is calling for the graffiti to be removed from locations including Kingsway Court and Anniesland Road as quickly as possible.

The charity further stated that it is working with local partners to ensure residents feel safe and supported.

Lainy added: “I know times are hard and people are feeling left behind, but blaming migrants or faith communities will never bring the change we need.

“The real issues are inequality, austerity and years of decisions that have left services under strain.

"Here in Kingsway, we know the strength of standing together. We are proud of our diversity, and we will keep building a community where everyone feels safe, valued and at home.”

(Image: Kingsway Community Connections) Police Scotland confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the graffiti.

A spokesperson for the force said: “On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, we received a report of offensive graffiti at Kingsway Court and Anniesland Road, Glasgow.

“Enquiries are ongoing and the relevant agencies have been advised.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “We always seek to deal with offensive graffiti within 48 hours of receiving a report.

“We will attend to this incident as a matter of urgency. Members of the public can report offensive graffiti incidents through our website, the MyGlasgow phone app or by contacting the @MyGlasgowCC social media accounts.”