Earlier today in the Scottish Parliament, Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan raised the issue of youth antisocial behaviour.

The islands MSP has been receiving a range of complaints from constituents in Stornoway in recent months, with reports of harassment, intimidation and criminal damage by a small number of young people.

The MSP is organising a multi-agency meeting in the coming weeks to discuss antisocial behaviour issues around Stornoway.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“I have been particularly concerned by the various reports I’ve received from constituents in Stornoway over the last few months about antisocial issues. This kind of abusive and intimidating behaviour is causing misery to far too many people’s lives.

“Sadly, there is a perception, including from the perpetrators themselves, that little can be done to challenge this behaviour because of their age. As the Cabinet Secretary outlined, local agencies do have a range of powers they can employ to tackle these issues and there has been a specific multi-agency group set up in the Western Isles.

“No-one, especially the elderly, should have to put up with this and we need to work to ensure everyone can feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.”

Steornabhagh A Tuath Councillor Gordon Murray commented:

“I welcome Alasdair bringing up the issue of anti-social behaviour in the Scottish Parliament.

“This has been a difficult issue for our community for a number of years by a small minority and we need to do everything we can to address this by working together with other agencies. We want to safeguard our vulnerable members of the community and also avoid criminalising our young people as far as possible."

Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of antisocial behaviour to Police Scotland by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.