RACIST incidents in Glasgow increased in the last year to an average of more than three a day, according to new figures.

By Stewart Paterson

RACIST incidents in Glasgow increased in the last year to an average of more than three a day, according to new figures.

The Glasgow rate is the highest in Scotland and more than double that of the rest of the country.

Last year, police recorded 1301 racist crimes and incidents in the city - a rise of 7.6% - giving a figure of 22 incidents per 10,000 people.

The figure for the year before was 1209 incidents.

Across Scotland there were 5243 incidents - a rate of 10 per 10,000 people.

People of Pakistani origin were most likely to be the victim of a racist incident, with 1654 cases across Scotland, accounting for one-third of all cases. White British people were next highest with 1030 cases.

The most common location was either in the street or a shop, where almost 3000 cases took place across the country.

Despite the rise in Glasgow, there was slight drop across Scotland with cases falling from 5321 to 5243 last year.

The figures cover everything from verbal abuse to physical assaults which are reported to police.

Politicians said much more had to be done to eradicate racism.

Kenny MacAskill, justice secretary, said: "The Scottish Government will not tolerate racist behaviour of any kind, whether on the street, at a football match or in a pub.

"Our migrant communities are as much part of the threads of Scotland's tartan as the rest of us. They contribute so much to this nation and we want to send out a message that we value them."

Bill Aitken MSP, Tory justice spokesman, said: "All racism is disgusting. It ruins lives and blights communities."

Richard Baker Labour justice spokesman said: "Most racist incidents are never reported and everything needs to be done, that can be done, so people have the courage to come forward."