Muslims are welcomed as 'the latest of Jock Tamson's bairns'

Published on Saturday 7 July 2007 00:57

KENNY MacAskill, the Cabinet secretary for justice, embraced Scotland's muslim community as "the latest of Jock Tamson's bairns" yesterday in an attempt to heal any divisions caused by the terrorist attack in Glasgow.

Mr MacAskill praised the muslim community during a visit to the Edinburgh Central Mosque, insisting that Scotland had a long history of welcoming people from different countries and religions.

He said he wanted "to pay respect to the muslim community in Scotland, to recognise they are a vital factor in 21st century Scotland, they are just the latest of Jock Tamson's bairns."

He added: "Throughout Scotland's history, people have come whether from Italy, Ireland or elsewhere. The muslim community is one of the more recent arrivals but they are equally valid and equally Jock Tamson's bairns as is every other community."

The phrase is often used in an egalitarian way and is thought to have derived from the Reverend John Thomson, 19th century minister who called his congregation "mah bairns".

The Justice Secretary also condemned acts of retaliation and vandalism against the muslim community after the Glasgow airport attack.

Mr MacAskill said: "Any incident is an incident too many.

"What we are grateful for is that the incidents have been few, but troubling. In many instances we are also heartened that they have been reported by non-Muslim members of the community, rightly disgusted and outraged."

"Police, prosecution and government will not countenance anybody seeking to vent their racist spleen on individuals."

Jalal Chaudry, a spokesman for the Muslim community in Edinburgh, praised the way Scottish ministers reacted.

He said: "As soon as this incident happened the Muslim community was very nervous.

"But the way that the justice minister let us know that it wasn't local people, and that they (the suspects) were not born and raised in this country, came as a big relief to the Muslim community."

And he added: "The way that (First Minister) Alex Salmond and the others have dealt with the situation has won the hearts and minds of the Muslim community."