An Elgin councillor has hit out after two Neo-Nazi banners were erected in the town on Remembrance Sunday.
As crowds gathered to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, they were greeted by banners on Alexandra Road.
Local councillor Jeremie Fernandes said he was shocked at their message, and timing of them. He reported the matter to the police, who are now investigating.
He said: “It’s shocking, I think the timing of it was innocuous, it was planned.
“It would’ve been very distressing for the families of people who fought in the Second World War in particular.”
Mr Fernandes said at first glance, the message might have been misconstrued as a peaceful message but that it is actually a Neo-Nazi slogan.
‘Distressing’
“It sounds like a peaceful message but it’s a Neo-Nazi slogan which means white people shouldn’t fight each other,” he said.
“It’s also quite distressing for the ethnic minorities who fought in the war and who live in Moray to see that.
“Even if it’s an isolated incident, it might mean there’s a Neo-Nazi somewhere in Moray which is not a nice thought.”
He believes the incident – along with the destruction of poppy wreaths in Edinburgh on Remembrance Sunday– means there is a worrying “disrespect for veterans and people who died in the war”.
A police spokesman said: “Around 9.45am on Sunday, November 13 police were made aware of two offensive banners placed along the route of the Remembrance Sunday parade at Alexandra Road and New Elgin Road, Elgin.
“Officers removed the banners and inquiries are ongoing.”