In Glasgow's Springburn area, a grassroots coalition has formed to reclaim the Scottish saltire from far-right groups who have used the flag in anti-immigration protests. The Springburn Anti-Racism Group, with fewer than 20 members but growing, aims to counter the sudden appearance of hundreds of saltires tied to anti-immigrant slogans.
The tension escalated last month at a far-right 'unity rally' in central Glasgow, where saltires and union flags flew alongside anti-immigrant messages. Counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism assembled opposite police lines. The standoff ended after five hours with one arrest for assaulting a police officer, leaving an atmosphere of unease.
In Springburn, a diverse community with no asylum seeker hotels but deep poverty, the flags unsettled many residents. Moloy Sarker of the Bangla Centre SCIO initially thought the flags were for football, but became anxious after learning of their anti-immigrant associations online. Schoolteacher Debbie Jack joined the group, concerned about the radicalisation of young white boys online.
Local councillor Graham Campbell links the tension to Glasgow's housing crisis, noting that tower blocks have been demolished without replacement. He argues that blaming refugees is a dangerous distraction from legitimate grievances. 'This isn't about housing or protecting communities. It's about hijacking Scotland's flag,' he said.
Ukrainian refugee Rostyslav Prokhyra, who fled the Russian invasion in 2022, worries that the welcome he received is fading. 'Suddenly all you hear is that refugees are the problem. That's not the truth,' he said. The group plans to host community arts events and launch an anonymous system for reporting racism.
