HATE crime reports in Scotland soared by 17 per cent in a year to the highest level in more than 20 years.

Rises were seen in all offences linked to a victim’s race, sexual identity or disability.

The figures for 2025/26 show there were 7,115 charges containing at least one element of hate crime — the highest number reported since figures first became available in 2003/4, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services said.

Scottish Greens equalities spokeswoman Kate Nevens MSP said: “These increases in hate crimes haven’t happened by accident. 

“They have been fuelled by a resurgent far right, toxic narratives and a hostility that has too often been amplified and normalised by too many politicians and parts of the media.”

The SNP’s Victims and Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said recent events “have highlighted increased levels of intimidation,” saying there had been an impact on “communities who may already be feeling vulnerable.”