‘Murderer’ slur outrage on Nelson Mandela memorial book

A book was placed in William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch allowing prople to pay tribute to the anti-apartheid campaigner, whose death in December sparked world-wide mourning.

However, the memorial in Kirkintilloch was hijacked by people calling Mandela a ‘murderer’.

A source said: “It’s absolutely disgusting - when the rest of the world is mourning and paying tribute - that someone would do something like this.

“You could say that this was one lone nutter, but it looked as if these comments were written in different handwriting and with different ink.

“The comments were calling Mandela a ‘terrorist’, a ‘murderer’ and a ‘killer’.

“Thankfully, these negative comments were very much in the minority - most people adhere to the principles of respect and tolerance which Mandela embodied.”

Books were placed in William Patrick Library, Bishopbriggs Library and Brookwood Library in Bearsden.

Only the Kitrkintilloch book was defaced and the comments have now been removed.

East Dunbartonshire provost Una Walker said: “I was moved by the many people who signed the books of condolence in memory of Nelson Mandela.

“There were poignant tributes to the former South African president recorded in Kirkintilloch, Bearsden and Bishopbriggs.

“Unfortunately there were two short, negative comments left, but these will be omitted.”