Graffiti vandals target GlasGLOW exhibits at Botanic Gardens

Organisers Itison say they're sending CCTV footage to police.

@GlasGLOW
Author: Collette McGoniglePublished 29th Oct 2022
Last updated 29th Oct 2022

GlasGLOW has been targeted by vandals, who broke into the Botanic Gardens early on Saturday morning.

Organisers Itison say they're sending security footage to the police, after obscene political slogans were spray painted on exhibits.

Founder Oli Norman says they’ve also received online trolling accusing them of green washing.

Mr Norman said: “I’m saddened and disgusted by the mindless vandalism that took place.

“This behaviour has nothing to do with the climate emergency or protecting wildlife.

“It has everything to do with a small minority of individuals trying to tell us what we can and can’t do in our public spaces.”

@GlasgGLOW

Saturday evening’s events went ahead as planned.

Oli Norman added: “We have been accused of ‘green washing’ for using biofuels and donating tens of thousands to local charities and labelled ‘corporate greedy’ for employing over 270 local people to deliver GlasgGLOW.”

“We are a local company putting on an event bringing families and friends together to spread light and joy in the dark months.

“These trolls should be ashamed of themselves – not only are they disrupting a much-loved event, but they have undermined the cause of environmental groups that genuinely want to drive change.

“Images of the individuals have been sent to the police and will be released across itison and GlasGLOW social media platforms shortly.

“If anyone has any information relating to these individuals, they should contact the police directly or contact the GlasGLOW team at glasglow2022@itison.com.”

@GlasgGLOW

A Police Scotland spokesperson said:

"On Saturday, 29 October, police received a report of a vandalism that took place earlier that morning at an event in Botanic Gardens, Glasgow. "

"Police enquiries are ongoing into this report and anyone with information that may assist the enquiry should contact 101 with reference 1472 of 29 October."

A council spokesperson said:

“GlasGlow is a great addition to what people can do in our parks and it’s a real shame that people are trying to stop families having fun.”

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