A THIRD of young people believe there are too many immigrants in Scotland and one in five thinks it is acceptable to use terms such as “Paki” and “Chinky”, a study has revealed.

The research, funded by the Scottish executive, will be used to justify the launch of an anti-racism campaign next week.

It follows the publication of a social attitudes survey earlier this month which revealed that more than 50% of Scots would be concerned if a family member married a Muslim, and one in three felt that Muslims living in Scotland were depriving Scots of jobs, homes and healthcare provision.

The findings are a blow to the bid by Jack McConnell, the first minister, to attract more immigrants to Scotland to halt its population decline.

The executive survey of 3,000 11 to 25-year-olds, conducted by Market & Opinion Research International, found that up to a fifth believed that terms such as “Paki” and “Chinky” were not racist and 15% thought that it was acceptable to talk in negative terms about ethnic minorities to friends and family.

More than 25% of 11 to 16-year-olds and 30% of 17 to 25-year-olds expressed opposition to asylum seekers, with a majority saying there were “too many immigrants in Scotland”.

Margaret Curran, the communities minister, said: “We are targeting young people because we want to encourage them to speak out against bigoted and discriminatory behaviour. Young people should be given the confidence and every opportunity to embrace and celebrate Scotland’s diversity.”

The executive’s campaign features posters on billboards and bus stops, plus radio advertising, to reinforce the message that it is “not cool to be a racist”. Ministers are also keen to introduce a message of tolerance into schools through modern studies classes and its “Show racism the red card” campaign featuring footballers.

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating