Annual St Andrew's Day march to take place in Glasgow this weekend

AN annual march against racism and fascism is set to take place in Glasgow city centre this weekend.

The St Andrew's Day anti-racism and anti-fascism march, organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), will start at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

The march coincides with the Reform UK Scottish conference, which is taking place in Perth on the same day, as the STUC warned against “complacency in the fight against the far-right".

Pictured: The St Andrew's Day March in 2023 (Image: Colin Mearns) The STUC is the largest trade union body in Scotland, representing more than 500,000 members. Around 500 people are expected to attend this year, according to the council’s website.

The theme of this year’s march is “resilient and rising”, which the STUC said reflects the “enduring strength and the ongoing struggles of anti-racist movements in Scotland”.

Tomorrow! Our annual St Andrew's Day Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism march in Glasgow, commemorating Scotland's enduring commitment to inclusivity and opposition to far-right ideologies. All welcome! 📅 Saturday, 30 November ⏰ 10:30am 📍 McLennan Arch, Glasgow Green pic.twitter.com/BFwHh8SLpD

— STUC (@ScottishTUC) November 29, 2024

It comes just months after campaigners organised a counter-protest in George Square in response to a “pro-UK” rally promoted by far-right figure Tommy Robinson.

The march will set off from Glasgow Green at 11am, with a rally planned in Adelaide Place for 12pm.

The route will be: Glasgow Green, Saltmarket, High Street, Ingram Street, South Fredrick Street, George Square, St Vincent Place, St Vincent Street, West Campbell Street, Bath Street and Pitt Street.

Speakers include Hardial Singh Bhari, co-founder of the Scottish Asian Action Committee, anti-racism campaigner Zamard Zahid and STUC general secretary Roz Foyer.

‘We cannot be complacent’

Commenting on the march, Foyer (below) said: “Our annual St Andrew’s Day anti-racism, anti-fascism march matters now more than ever.

“Almost forty years ago, in response to the National Front trying to claim St Andrew’s Day for their own, working people stood united and opposed their toxic, racist ideology.

“But we cannot be complacent. This day is our day. It’s for all those who want to live in peace and understanding with their neighbours and friends, creating inclusive communities that welcome all and exclude none.

“We march together under the banner of unity and declare that racism and fascism is a poison in our society that must be stamped out at source.”

(Image: newsquest) Foyer added that anyone who thinks Scotland is “immune” from racism and fascism is “wrong”.

She continued: “This is your fight as well as ours.

“I would encourage everyone to unite, join and march together to show that working people, when collectivised, are unstoppable in driving hatred and division off our streets and out of Scotland.”