Chief Executive message

September 2024 - it's been a difficult summer for many communities across the UK

It has been a difficult summer for many communities across the UK.

Since the first signs of disorder and violence in towns and cities at the end of July, I have stayed in close contact with senior officers at Police Scotland.

I know how much work the force has put into engaging with communities and trying to understand their concerns, as well as tracking and gathering intelligence about those planning disruption or spreading hate online.

One of the things they have always stressed is the danger our communities face not only from violent extremists, but disinformation and speculation.

Early last month, thousands of messages were shared on social media and elsewhere about alleged demonstrations and violent confrontations planned in Glasgow - often in the heart of the city centre.

In many cases, they called for people to oppose racism and bigotry. Often, they advised people to stay at home - rather than go to work or school, see friends or family.

You can understand why. People were appalled by what they had seen elsewhere in the country and anxious to think the same violence and chaos might spread closer to home. They were concerned for their friends and neighbours.

The rumours and speculation quickly became mainstream news, alongside shocking footage of riots playing out in other cities - and the result was many people left in fear and alarm, with some employers even sending staff home from city centre offices out of concern for their safety.

On the council's website, the webcam streaming images from George Square froze because so many people were watching.

In reality, the police could see little evidence that trouble was planned in the city. Anyone constantly refreshing the George Square webcam would have mostly seen pigeons.

Of course, we can be relieved - proud, even - that the type of scenes witnessed elsewhere were not repeated on our streets.

However, we have to be aware of the very real risk that, although well-intentioned, when people's genuine concerns meet rumour and disinformation it can fuel rather than calm anxiety and tension in our communities.

Glasgow is a proud, diverse and, above all, welcoming place.

Right across our city, there are people who are determined that its sense of community will stay strong and resilient in the face of extremism.  

As a workforce, we are very much part of that wider city community. Regardless of whether you live in Glasgow or not - and not far off two thirds of us do - we all spend our days working in and for the good of the city.

I know many of you will have had your own uncertainties and anxieties over recent events and how they might impact you, your loved one and even your work - and I also know that we all have colleagues that are ready to make the time to look out for us and offer a little extra support when we need it.

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