British Newspaper Report Provokes Complaints of Racism

01 February 2006

British newspaper The Herald reported on August 11 that the Renfrewshire-based newspaper The Barrhead News had been the object of a racial complaint following a page-one article featuring the heading "Gypsy Fear". The article stated that 35 French Travellers had settled at a former factory in Blackbyres in the East Renfrewshire council area and reported that many more would join the camp. It was asserted that Renfrewshire "could be swamped by gypsies from across Europe." Strathclyde Police confirmed that a complaint had been received and stated that they are currently conducting inquiries to result in a report to the procurator-fiscal. The Travellers have since reportedly moved on from the campsite.

(The Herald)