An MSP representing Scotland's largest Jewish population has stepped up security after a woman attacked workers at his constituency office.
Jackson Carlaw, who spoke out strongly in favor of Israel's right to self-defense following last year's Hamas attacks, said workers were “shaken” after the incident at the office in his Eastwood constituency.
A 44-year-old woman was arrested and charged following the incident, which occurred last Tuesday morning (October 1).
The woman, who was described by onlookers as having her face covered, broke into the shared office building in Thornliebank, Renfrewshire, and headed to the office of the former Scottish Tory leader.
Employees working for other occupants of the building were attacked and the woman was arrested by police and charged with assault and breach of the peace.
Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw has stepped up security following threats against his staff
The Scottish Parliament's security team has been working with Police Scotland to carry out a further security assessment at the building, in Spiersbridge Way.
Carlaw, who is the convener of the Scottish Parliament's cross-party Building Bridges with Israel group, said: “There was an attack on my constituency office last week. I wasn't there, but whoever the person was came looking for me, attacked other people in the building, was arrested and charged in court last Friday.
“This has just become part of the modern currency of politics that we all have to deal with. It's distracting and it's a shame because it disrupts normal engagement.
'The person has been released on bail and cannot come near my office or me.
“The employees – they weren’t my employees, they were employees of the community building where my office is – were shaken by this. It wasn't something they expected, but they stepped in when something was wrong, which was brave of them. Their instinct is to intervene and they did, but it was obviously a shocking experience for them.'
Carlaw said she understands the individual was released on bail on the condition that she not approach him or the office.
He is not aware of the reasons for the attack and said he does not want to speculate.
Carlaw, right, at a multi-faith candlelit ceremony in Edinburgh that brought together Jewish and Muslim leaders to symbolize their commitment to peace
Carlaw, second from left, at the Giffnock and Newton Mearns Synagogue to remember the victims of the October 7 terrorist atrocities
He said: 'It was very upsetting for everyone involved. Parliament's security staff were notified by Police Scotland immediately after the incident occurred and a further assessment of security in the building was carried out, but I don't want to say anything more than that. It’s a shared services building, so I also have to pay attention to other users of the building.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'A 44-year-old woman was arrested and charged with assault and breach of the peace at premises in Spiersbridge Way, Thornliebank, on the morning of Tuesday 1 October 2024.
'She was due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday 2 October 2024.
'A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'
Mr Carlaw has regularly spoken out against examples of antisemitism in Scotland.
Last week, he tabled a Scottish Parliament motion marking the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, which stated that Israel “has the right to self-defence and to protect its people from acts of aggression”.
But his motion also acknowledged that innocent people living in Gaza have endured a period of “incredible challenge and immense suffering” over the past year.
He called for the release of all hostages taken to Gaza by Hamas and demanded an “immediate, total and complete ceasefire”.
The Scottish Parliament has stepped up security measures for MSPs following the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.
Holyrood staff work with Police Scotland to identify any relevant security measures that should be installed in MSPs' homes, constituency offices or accommodation in Edinburgh.
MSPs and their employees are offered “lone worker” security alarm devices, while they can also opt for a social media monitoring service that scans accounts for threats and abuse.
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “We take member safety extremely seriously. We are aware of an incident and are providing the necessary support to the deputy and his team.'
