Police kept opposing groups separated outside the Scottish Parliament on Saturday as an anti-immigration rally organised by Unite the Clans Scotland sparked a counter-demonstration. The rally, which called on “patriots” to gather from across the country, saw several dozen participants waving Saltire and Union flags and chanting “send them home”.
On the other side of police barricades, anti-racist groups and left-wing demonstrators chanted “Nazi scum” and held up signs. The counter-demonstration drew a larger crowd than the rally itself.
Tammy McGregor, from Perth, said she joined the Unite the Clans rally because of concerns about safety and resources. “We don’t have the resources, it’s as simple as that, and there is a high level of crime,” she said.
Karen Paton, from the Falkirk for All anti-racism group, accused Unite the Clans of scapegoating refugees. “We need to look at the real problems in this country, which is lack of affordable housing, lack of NHS, lack of dental appointments,” she said.
Stand Up To Racism Scotland said far-right groups had been entrenched in recent hotel protests, fuelling fear and racism. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed there were no arrests.
