£40k allocated to projects tackling Islamophobia in Edinburgh

The Evening Express reports that 13 projects have been selected to receive funding from a total of £40,000 allocated to tackling Islamophobia in Edinburgh.

The money contributed by Police Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government is designed to deliver projects which reduce prejudice and foster positive relationships between the city’s diverse communities.

Following the initial application stage in late 2016, 35 projects were short-listed, with each applying for a maximum of £5,000 in funding. Over 2,500 local people voted on the projects in January and February as part of the ‘Shared Vision – Your Decision’ initiative.

Local councillor Maureen Child praised the scheme, saying it is a “great example of the positive work being carried out across the city with partners to promote equality and tackle Islamophobia.”

Hopefully the funds will provide a welcome boost to Edinburgh’s estimated 15,000 strong Muslim community. Earlier this week police appealed for information following a racist attack on a local Bangladeshi taxi driver while the city’s largest mosque, Edinburgh Central Mosque, was attacked by an arsonist last September.