Angela Constance

The figures show a continued decline in reports of hate crimes made to the police since the introduction of the controversial new law.

Ms Constance said: “These latest statistics represent another sharp decrease in the number of online hate crime reports made to Police Scotland since 1 April. Police Scotland received 390 online hate crime reports which is a 79 per cent decrease since the week before and a near 95 per cent decrease since the first week of operation of the new laws.

“As might have been anticipated given the elevated coverage at the time of the Act’s introduction on 1st April, the volume of reports received by police has reduced significantly in the second and third weeks. I am therefore pleased to see that the effect of misinformation and misrepresentation of the Act peddled over the last few weeks has subsided.

“Hate crime is behaviour which is both criminal and rooted in prejudice; where the offender’s actions have been driven by hatred towards a particular group. Hatred for people just on the basis of who they are. That is unacceptable.

“Police Scotland has been clear that demand continues to be managed within its contact centres and the impact on frontline policing has been minimal. I am grateful for their outstanding dedication and professionalism as this law came into force, and for all they do to keep communities safe.”