Two 13-year-olds charged after Scottish primary hit by 'sectarian arson attacks'

TWO 13-year-olds have been charged in connection with vandalism after a primary school was targeted in a series of “sectarian attacks”. 

Police confirmed that two male youths were charged in connection with vandalism at the St Joseph's Primary School, Busby, on Monday March 17. 

Fires were reportedly set in the school’s playgrounds while buildings were sprayed with offensive, sectarian, and discriminatory graffiti. 

First Minister John Swinney visited the school in the aftermath of the attacks and spoke to staff and pupils after local MSP, and former Scottish Tory leader, Jackson Carlaw discussed the incident in parliament. 

At First Minister Questions in March, Carlaw told the Holyrood chamber: “I've been appalled in the last few weeks at an unprecedented series of attacks, sectarian attacks targeted on St Joseph's Primary School in Busby in my Eastwood constituency. 

“The buildings have been sprayed with offensive, sectarian, discriminatory graffiti. The outdoor play area was set on fire and there was a further arson attack on a children's area just this last weekend. 

“The school community have been left stupefied and naturally distressed, but I do want to pay tribute to Police Scotland and East Renfrewshire Council for the decisive way in which they have intervened to seek to make the community feel safe.” 

Responding, the SNP leader said: “Not for the first time in my life, I find myself in huge agreement with Mr Carlaw on the comments that he makes. 

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA)

Swinney (above) added: “From the outside of the school, where the school is targeted with completely and utterly unacceptable behaviour, which never had any place in Scottish society, and it certainly doesn't have any place in Scottish society in 2025.” 

Police Scotland have confirmed two 13-year-old boys were arrested and they have been charged in connection with the vandalism. 

A statement said: “Two 13-year-old male youths have been charged in connection with vandalism on Monday, 17 March, 2025 at St Joseph's Primary School, Oliphant Road, Busby. 

“They will be reported to the relevant authorities.”