Scottish Catholic Observer

A new series of reports into sectarianism in Scotland reveal that many Scots believe football and marches are the key flash points for religious bigotry.

The reports, as recommended by the independent Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland, explore attitudes and experiences of sectarianism and the community impact of processions on Scottish society.

The research, which is being discussed at a conference taking place in Glasgow today, looks at how research is helping to shape our understanding of the nature and impact of sectarianism in modern Scotland. It has been undertaken by independent researchers from Newcastle University, Stirling University, Oxford University and the ScotCen Social Research.

A total of 88 per cent of people out of 1500 surveyed said they believe sectarianism is a problem for the whole of Scotland, with just over two-thirds saying it is only problem in specific areas, namely Glasgow and the west of Scotland. It was also revealed that around half of Scots think that Catholics experience at least some prejudice and 41 per cent said they think the same about Protestants.

When it comes to what the public think contributes to sectarianism in Scotland, 88 per cent identify football as a contributing factor and 55 per cent say they think it is the main factor. This places football well ahead of the next most commonly mentioned factor — 79 per cent of respondents say they think Orange Order marches contribute to sectarianism but just 13 per cent that it is the main factor.

‘The publication of this work today is a significant step forward in helping us build the most comprehensive understanding of the nature and impact of sectarianism in Scotland that we have ever had,” Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, said.

“The final report of the Advisory Group is due later this year and this will include advice on the future development of our agenda on tackling sectarianism,” he added. “The Advisory Group will ensure that the findings from today’s publications are incorporated into their report to ensure that the advice they are giving is based on the best and most up-to-date information available.”

Dr Duncan Morrow, chairman of the independent Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland, added: “The research is clear. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that sectarianism impacts negatively on people’s lives and that it is not confined to particular communities.

“The evidence highlights some of the complexities of the problem and that there is no single cause and no single solution. A culture of finger pointing, blaming and outright denial has provided comfort to many excusing the familiar behaviour that acts as a life support to anachronistic sectarian attitudes, but such a culture fails to address either the problem or provide a solution.”

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