The Kirkin’ of the Council is an event of great significance to North Lanarkshire Council, as it is to many other local authorities, however I had the great pleasure of adding a unique twist to the proceedings this year. The event has traditionally taken place within either a Church of Scotland or Roman Catholic Church since the creation of North Lanarkshire (1996).

Through collaborating with senior council official and the committee at Cumbernauld mosque I was able to, alongside my brother Councillor Danish Ashraf, host the historic event in August 2019 at a mosque for the first time in 23 years. The proceedings included readings from the Qur’an as well as invited guests being able to be involved within the regular Friday sermon and prayers. Elected councillors from across North Lanarkshire, community groups as well as senior council officials were in attendance. The event was a resounding success with over 400 attendees being fed a delicious buffet and creating a really great environment for many people to experience an Islamic sermon for the first time.

I am grateful for the support of the Provost who was very keen to see tradition change and for more diversity to be involved in the annual event. I believe a great deal of good will come from this event of cultural appreciation and positivity and I am proud to represent a local authority that has championed inclusion.