Last week I was at the march against racism in Scotland. It was really good to sense the energy coming from all participants united to fight against corrosive influences that seek to divide our society. What is important is to fight against all the elements that work against the cohesion of our communities.
The census of 2001 stated that Scotland is home to 43,000 Muslims concentrating in Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh. The age profile of this population is much younger than that of the white population. Immigrants from Central Europe have followed. It is clear that Scotland is now a place of many cultures and it is vital that our different communities do not live parallel existences feeling segregated and polarized.
We must work to develop a common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities, where diversity of background is appreciated and valued and where everyone, regardless of religion or race gets access to similar life opportunities. This is really just another way of saying “ Love your neighbour as yourself”.
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