Police to examine Pride Glasgow finances over concerns
Glasgow Pride has taken place every year since 1996 (Robert Perry/Getty)
Police Scotland have reportedly been asked to look at Pride Glasgow’s finances.
The police were allegedly informed of money that was unaccounted for after this year’s event by the organisers.
Police in Manchester are already investigating online payments to do with Pride Glasgow after a report of irregularities earlier this year.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Pride said: “On August 8 our new Treasurer contacted Police Scotland within days of his appointment, this was regarding the financial conduct of an ex-employee, who also served as the previous Treasurer for the past 12 years.
“This investigation has been picked up by Greater Manchester Police and is ongoing.
“In November 2018 following new information another report was made to Police Scotland regarding the same person, this investigation is at an early stage and we believe will be managed by Police Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addresses the crowd at Glasgow Pride (Robert Perry/Getty)
“There is no investigation into our organisation or any of the current Trustees.”
Controversy at this year’s Pride
The charity, best known for holding the annual Pride Glasgow festival, faced controversy after the event faced a number of issues in July.
A march was led through the city by Nicola Sturgeon, after which a music concert took place at Kelvingrove Park.
Revellers were left queuing for hours outside the park, however, after tickets were oversold.
The organisers were forced to adopt a one-in-one-out policy at the entrance, which was stopped completely at around 2pm.
The former Pride Glasgow CEO Alastair Smith apologised for the incident before resigning.
Pride takes place every year in Glasgow (Robert Perry/Getty)
This year’s Pride Glasgow march
At the event, Sturgeon wore a T-shirt that read “choose love” and led the march alongside Suki Wan, the chair of the Scottish youth parliament.
She told the crowd: “You all look amazing, you all look beautiful. You are an absolutely wonderful sight, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart, I am so proud to be here with all of you today.
“Scotland values tolerance, Scotland values diversity, Scotland values respect for all, and above all Scotland values love.
“These values that are so precious to us are values that are under threat all over the world, more than they have been in my lifetime, so it is important that here in Glasgow, in Scotland’s biggest city we reaffirm these principles and values of tolerance, diversity, love and respect and let the whole world hear them.”
