JOHN Swinney has defended his speech to the Jewish community in Edinburgh despite being met with fierce boos and heckles as he called for recognition of a Palestinian state.
The First Minister stood on a platform and addressed a large crowd outside Holyrood on Sunday ahead of the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel.
His address followed a deadly attack at a Manchester synagogue last Friday where two men were killed after attacker Jihad Al-Shamie rammed a car into and stabbed worshippers gathering for a service to mark Yom Kippur.
Videos on social media show Swinney was met with a wall of boos and heckles as he called for peace in the Middle East and the release of hostages.
In arguing that the recognition of Palestine was part of the path to peace, Swinney was faced with chants of “bring them home” while others shouted "rubbish" in response to his calls for Palestinian recognition.
Speaking to LBC, Swinney said making the speech was the right thing to do as he doubled down on the points he raised.
He said: "It's important that as we mark the second anniversary of the atrocity that was committed against Israel by Hamas, and the taking of hostages, that the First Minister of Scotland stands with the Jewish community to remember that atrocity and to remember that suffering.
"I think that's the right thing for me to do as First Minister because I said I would speak for and do all that I could to support communities in our country, and particularly to bring communities together.
Scotland’s FM John Swinney faced a barrage of heckling while speaking to those attending a vigil for Oct 7 held outside Holyrood yesterday - he’s been asked about it today. Says it’s important he sticks to his position on Palestine no matter the audience.@LBCNewsScot l @LBCNews pic.twitter.com/f7ybub9hyN
— @GinaDavidson (@ginadavidsonlbc) October 6, 2025
"I quite understand there is a lot of anger and distress in the Jewish community in Scotland today, but there is a lot of anger and distress in many communities and what I've got to do is set out the principled position that the only pathway to peace is a two-state solution that involves recognition a sovereign state of Palestine."
Pressed on the fact he was given a warning by the Jewish Council that he would face a difficult reception, he went on: "I accept there are strong views and deep concerns within the Jewish community in Scotland. That's why I was there to demonstrate that as First Minister of Scotland, while I might not be able to agree with everybody about everything, I am there to provide leadership and reassurance and support."
Swinney said Government officials are in touch with Police Scotland to make sure the safety of the Jewish community is a priority following the Manchester attack.
The UK formally recognised Palestine as a state last month.
Australia, Canada, France and Portugal have also announced formal recognition.
About 1200 people in Israel were killed when Hamas gunmen stormed through the border, while 251 others were taken hostage, on October 7, 2023.
Since then, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 66,000, according to the health ministry.
