German minister '˜fears being seen as intruder' after Brexit

A CHURCH minister who grew up behind the Berlin Wall said she fears being seen as an intruder in Scotland following the Brexit vote.

First Minister has vowed to protect Scotland's interests following Brexit vote. Picture; Getty

The Rev Aniko Schutz Bradwell, who leads the Humbie with Yester, Bolton and Saltoun congregations in East Lothian, said the rhetoric of politicians seems to have “made it legitimate to use racist language”.

Rev Schutz Bradwell, 34, said she is more nervous speaking German in public since the vote, in comments issued by the Church of Scotland ahead of an event for EU nationals in Edinburgh this week.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who visited Germany last week, will meet EU nationals living in Scotland in an attempt to provide “reassurance and certainty” in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Mrs Schutz Bradwell, who is attending the event, said: “I was very shocked with the result of the EU referendum. I have been living in Scotland for ten years, volunteering, working and studying during this time. Up until the referendum, I have always felt welcome here – as part of a wider society that is made up of people from different backgrounds, including their nationality.

“Now I’m much more worried about being seen as an intruder.”

She added: “I grew up in East Germany, behind a wall –with very limited opportunities to travel, learn from others, or even live abroad – I don’t want us to build any more walls.”