At a ceremony in Forfar today, the Angus Racial Incident Multi Agency Panel (RIMAP) unveiled its policy statement and working practices document.

The panel partners — Tayside Police, Angus Council, Victim Support (Angus), and NHS Tayside — said they were reaffirming their opposition to racism and racist abuse through their support of the document. The participating agencies are committed to working together to eliminate discrimination, racist abuse and harassment and further the promotion of good relationships between and towards minority ethnic communities in Angus.

Opening the launch event, Angus Provost Bill Middleton said, “A modern, dynamic and vibrant Angus is one that fosters integration, but respects diversity.

“We need to challenge racism in all its forms, but it is not just malicious or intended racism that creates barriers, as discrimination exists by both design and default.”

Copies of the policy statement and working practices document will be available in public buildings, schools, surgeries and police offices in Angus. In addition leaflets and posters in several languages have been designed to publicise the document.