One of Adair’s men operates lucrative drug operations across the west of Scotland. White said that there were 14 children among the exiles, including a child of three. “Some of these youngsters are in a terrible state of shock. One was inside their home when it was attacked at midnight. The child is very traumatised,” he added.
He dismissed claims that they would be targeted by the mainstream UDA while in Scotland. “We have had a very warm welcome in Scotland. Loyalists have been offering us food and accommodation and any help and assistance that we need,” he said. “The idea that violence will follow us is rubbish. I have a large number of people in Scotland who are good friends and they are very supportive of us. We have strong links here. I have spoken to many people since I arrived and I can categorically say that there will be no problems.”
Police sources in Belfast said the exiling of the dissidents had eased the security situation on the Shankill Road. Residents in the Shankill have openly wept with relief following the forced exile of Adair’s followers. Their flight has led to the closing of a number of notorious drug-dealing houses in the area.
He dismissed claims that they would be targeted by the mainstream UDA while in Scotland. “We have had a very warm welcome in Scotland. Loyalists have been offering us food and accommodation and any help and assistance that we need,” he said. “The idea that violence will follow us is rubbish. I have a large number of people in Scotland who are good friends and they are very supportive of us. We have strong links here. I have spoken to many people since I arrived and I can categorically say that there will be no problems.”
Police sources in Belfast said the exiling of the dissidents had eased the security situation on the Shankill Road. Residents in the Shankill have openly wept with relief following the forced exile of Adair’s followers. Their flight has led to the closing of a number of notorious drug-dealing houses in the area.