Further evidence that loyalist paramilitaries are actively engaged in criminality in Scotland was provided during a court case in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday).
Four Scotsmen pleaded guilty to charges linked to membership of the banned Red Hand Commando, which is connected to the UVF.
Two of the men also admitted involvement in an armed robbery at a Dundee pub last September, which the court heard had been organised by the Red Hand Commando.
It is well known that loyalist paramilitaries have had pockets of support in parts of Scotland for many years.
However, this support moved to a much more sinister level last year when two men tried to send enough explosives to make 10 car bombs from Scotland to the UVF in Northern Ireland.
These men were each jailed for 11 years for the conspiracy involving what was described as the second largest haul of explosives found in the country in 30 years.
The court was told that the UVF had a network of cells and support groups in Scotland and the organisation not only had access to firearms and munitions but was continuing to procure weaponry.
Despite firm evidence of these serious paramilitary crimes, there has not been the type of outcry which should follow such revelations.
There is a clear perception that loyalist activity is regarded as somehow less serious than republican activity.
There should be no difference in the response to offences by any of these banned organi-sations.
The position must be stated clearly. All paramilitary activity – including murder, extortion, intimidation, punishment attacks and armed robbery – is absolutely unjustifiable and should cease immediately.
