Community / ‘It wasn’t us’ gender equality group says following Lerwick graffiti attack
A GROUP campaigning for gender equality at Lerwick’s world famous Up-Helly Aa festival has distanced itself from a series of runic style graffiti which appeared on a number of buildings and locations in Lerwick overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
Up Helly Aa for Aa said the group wanted to make clear that the recent graffiti reported in Lerwick was not its doing.
“Property damage is not something that we collectively condone, and we’re pleased to see how quickly and easily the graffiti was removed,” a group statement issued to Shetland News said.
Graffiti which appeared to draw attention to the often bitter debate over access of women and girls to Lerwick’s two fire festivals appeared at Lerwick Town Hall, Sound Primary School, the wall next to the ‘Welcome to Shetland’ sign, BBC Radio Shetland and the King George V playpark.
A spokesperson for Up Helly Aa for Aa added: “We hope fellow islanders will consider the questions raised by the content of this protest rather than just the act itself, however, and would encourage the affected institutions to reflect on why they were targeted.
“Open minds and informed discussion can help bring about positive change to benefit us all.”
Another group, Reclaim the Raven, added later on Wednesday that they would echo Up Helly Aa for Aa’s statement.
Meanwhile, police said their investigations into the vandalism were continuing.
Chief inspector Paul Daley said the public had been “really helpful” in coming forward with information.
Anyone who can help police in their enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 0681 of 20/7.
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