A new dawn for Jewish-Muslim relations was signalled as Glasgow Jewish Representative Council president Paul Morron led a group of community members which toured Glasgow Central Mosque as guests of its leadership committee.

A kosher lunch was provided for the visitors and mosque vice-president Mohammed Kauser said: "I am really delighted we had such a successful meeting. Nobody felt any tensions and we worked so well together. The Jewish community has been here for so long and they have made such an impression on mainstream society. There is no one better for us to follow. They are like our elders and we will seek guidance from them. Many of their institutions are over 100-years-old whereas this mosque is only approaching its 30th year, so there is much we can learn."

Mr Kauser added: "We have much in common and both communities need to fight against the increasing non-religious section of society who want to remove our religious practices."

The mosque is the biggest in Scotland and can accommodate 2,500 people. It is at the centre of a 40,000-strong community in the city. The Glasgow Jewish community is around a 10th of that size. Both faiths are predominantly located around the south side of the city.

Mr Morron said: "Past attempts have been made at interfaith work with varying degrees of success. But this time it will succeed because it is not just people but institutions coming together. When the Jewish and the Muslim community unite on an issue it will make people take notice."

A reciprocal visit will be made to Giffnock Synagogue and Muslim community leaders also plan to visit Jewish Care Scotland to learn about its welfare services for the elderly.