An MSP has demanded action from the Scottish Government after new figures showed a shock rise in hate crimes across North Ayrshire.

As we revealed yesterday, some 120 hate crimes were reported in North Ayrshire from April to December, compared to 88 in the same period the previous year – a rise of 36 per cent.

Katy Clark, Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland and party spokesperson for Community Safety, said: “I am deeply concerned by the rapid increase in the number of hate crime incidents recorded here in North Ayrshire.

“It is utterly unacceptable we are witnessing such an upsurge in racist and homophobic or transphobic abuse.

"Given the longstanding cuts to policing and wider funding challenges, the Scottish Government need to ensure the justice sector is equipped with the resources to tackle this scourge head on.

“But we also need to build a fairer society and that means stamping out these crimes in the first place.

"Given the febrile times we live in, it is also a reminder we have an obligation as political representatives to ensure our language and actions are mindful and supportive of the communities we serve."

She added: “Nobody should face violence or hatred because of who they are – but these figures are a devastating reminder that far too many people still do.

"We must build a more inclusive society and stand together against all forms of hate.”

The vast majority of hate crimes - 76 per cent - occurred in public spaces, including shops, throughout North Ayrshire.

There were also incidents at a number of other indoor locations, including schools, licensed premises and police stations. 

Around 44 per cent of hate crimes directed at members of the public were committed by someone known to them.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The new Hate Crime laws tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice and provide greater protection for victims and communities as we know impact on those at the receiving end of physical, verbal or online attacks can be traumatic and life changing.

‘To support effective implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, we have worked closely with justice partners including Police Scotland to provide sufficient time for completion of a number of IT change programmes and for the delivery of a robust package of training and guidance for police officers.

“Despite deeply challenging financial circumstances due to the UK Government settlement, our Budget for next year includes record police funding of £1.55 billion – an increase of £92.7 million.

“The Hate Hurts campaign shows the impact that hate crime has on those affected, highlights the forms that hate crime can take and encourages those who are witnesses to, or victims of hate crime to report it.”