Masonic lodge targeted by graffiti vandal

Political graffiti has been sprayed over the masonic hall in Lerwick in an overnight incident.

Slogans in large blue lettering, apparently relating to Northern Ireland, have been sprayed on the front door and side wall of the Morton Lodge in Church Road. They were reported to police on Friday morning, apparently having been painted overnight.

“FTQ” and “Brits out” has been painted on the front doors and “occupied six Brits out” on the side of the hall. The latter is apparently a reference to the “occupied six counties” of Ulster. Historically, Ulster comprised nine counties including Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, which are now in the Republic of Ireland. “FTQ” is believed to refer to the Queen.

A police spokesman confirmed that Lerwick police had received a report of vandalism at the lodge at around 11am today and that the graffiti had apparently been sprayed overnight.