Police probe 'racist' mural at Wardie Primary School in Edinburgh

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Mural
Image caption,

Edinburgh City Council said the mural does not reflect Wardie Primary School's attitudes

Police are investigating a complaint about a mural at an Edinburgh primary school which features a golliwog.

The scene from Alice in Wonderland in Wardie Primary's assembly hall dates back to 1936 and was recently restored with a Heritage Lottery Fund.

A mother has lodged a complaint about the image describing it as racist.

Edinburgh City Council said it understands the offensiveness of the image but said it does not reflect the attitudes of the school.

An Edinburgh City Council spokesman said: "The Alice in Wonderland mural at Wardie Primary School was painted in 1936 and is of both historical and artistic importance as evidenced by the fact it recently received full Heritage Lottery Funding support to restore the work.

"While we understand the offensiveness of the image, it is in no way indicative of the attitudes of either the school or the council.

"Our equalities policies and approaches are robustly multi-cultural and anti-racist, promoting diversity and good relationships among pupils."

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh have received a complaint in relation to a mural at a primary school in the Trinity area.

"Officers are now liaising with Edinburgh City Council education department with regards to this matter.

"Police Scotland treats all reports relating to hate incidents extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate whenever a report of this nature is made."

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