RACE hate attacks in the Sheriffdom of Dumbarton have shot up by more than 10 per cent according to disturbing new figures.

In the past 12 months there were 65 incidents according to the Procurator Fiscal Office.

This is up from 59 attacks during the previous year.

Race hate crime is often perceived to be an English problem – but these stats smash that perception, according to the GMB union.

Brian Johnstone, GMB Dumbarton, said: "I’m absolutely horrified and ashamed to see the number of racist attacks has risen to such an extent.

"All right thinking members of the community must do what they can to end this menace.

"I fear there is a belief that racist attacks don't happen in Scotland but this highlights that more needs to be done by everyone.

"GMB works hard to battle racism and discrimination in all their forms- but following this shocking news it’s clear we must redouble our efforts."

Nicola Hay, from Show Racism the Red Card Scotland, said: "It is deeply worrying that young people hold these views and it is even more worrying that very little appears to be happening to address it.

"Moreover, while Scotland is wonderfully progressive in a lot of ways, there appears to be a belief that racism only happens south of the border.

"This is problematic, as it takes away from the deeply troubling and psychologically disturbing challenges that ethnic minority community members have to face on a day to day basis.

"What we need is more education, so as to address the misinformation that young people are being fed from a number of damaging and divisive sources."

West Dunbartonshire Councillor Jim Bollan said: "The figure of 65 race hate crimes in the last year, an increase of 10%, is extremely worrying.

"There is more hate speech on social media aimed at immigrants and asylum seekers most of it being whipped up by the extreme right wing Tory Party and UKIP.

"We all have a responsibility to confront and expose any race hate attacks we see against any members of our community.

"We should send out a clear message to the racists that people of different nationalities and faiths are welcome and will continue to be supported by the overwhelming majority of local citizens who welcome the richness and diversity they bring to the local area."

It should be noted that the Sheriffdom of Dunbartonshire covers and area which also includes Clydebank, Helensburgh and towns and villages even further afield than the West Dunbartonshire council authority area.