A HUB dedicated to welcoming the LGBTI community during the Glasgow European Championships has opened, days after being the target of a hate crime.

Police are investigating the incident which saw a member of staff struck with a stone and bombarded with transphobic abuse on Sunday evening.

Minister for Mental Health, Claire Haughey, and leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, were among those at the launch of the hub which is described as a ‘welcoming place’ to learn about LGBTI sport, homophobia and transphobia in sport, and building relations with mainstream sport.

The incident has been described as ‘not uncommon’ by Hugh Torrance, executive director of LEAP Sports who are running the centre.

He added: “The transgender community in particular experience a lot of abuse but it has reminded us of why we are here.

“We will be making sure that we are kept safe and have been working closely with the police, who have been in the past few days.

“Pride House is about reaching out to people from across the world and sending an important message about our serious and ongoing commitment to equality in sport.

"It is important for our community to understand that other countries don’t have the same experience and the same rights as us. We want them to see us as allies who can offer them support and information.”

City Property provided a partially refurbished shop unit, with new accessible toilet facilities, close to the European Championships administration centre. 

The Scottish Government is providing £20,000 whilst Festival 2018 is providing £10,000 to support Pride House and its programme of events during the Championships.

Jordan Daly, of the TIE campaign, commented: “The transphobic abuse that the team at Pride House Glasgow experienced is disappointing, and entirely unacceptable.

"It is, however, a stark reminder of the importance of heightening LGBT awareness and inclusion across the city and this is exactly what Pride House achieves during the European Championships.

"Leap Sports are a great group of organisers and activists, and I am sure that we join many across Glasgow in wishing them nothing but support and positivity over the coming weeks.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “An investigation is underway into an alleged hate crime on Sunday July 29 around 4pm.

"Enquiries are ongoing.”

Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey, said: “Major events like the European Championships and Festival 2018 bring together people from all walks of life and are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Scotland’s diversity whilst we take centre stage in global terms. 

“From 1-12 August Pride House, will showcase a range of exceptional artists and performers, providing the opportunity for the LGBTI community to meet and discuss some of the most important issues of the day and sending an important message on Scotland's ongoing commitment to equality in sport. 

“I would encourage everyone to join the celebrations at no. 17, Trongate, where everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome and where everyone can be themselves with ‘Pride’.”