A NOTORIOUS far-right extremist has returned to Scotland and is attempting to raise money from supporters in the US to help fund anti-immigration groups, according to reports.
Jim Dowson, a former senior BNP fundraiser who has been involved in far-right organising for decades, has appeared at demonstrations in Glasgow and has been providing equipment to groups operating in the city.
According to the Daily Record, Dowson has posted videos showing him handing out stab vests, walkie-talkies and body cameras to members of Scots Active, a group which has carried out night-time "patrols" in Glasgow city centre.
He has also appealed to supporters in the US for money to help groups in Scotland and offered to provide equipment to others carrying out similar activities.
Dowson, who is originally from Airdrie but now lives in Northern Ireland, has spent decades fundraising and organising for far-right causes in the UK and overseas.
He has previously been involved with the BNP and Britain First and runs Knights Templar International (KTI), an organisation which sells merchandise online and promotes right-wing conspiracy theories.
In a video aimed at supporters in the US, Dowson claimed Scotland was "under threat" from immigration.
He said: "Keep the support coming. We want to make sure these people can keep their womenfolk and their girls safe in this city."
Alex MacKinnon, a researcher with anti-fascism organisation Hope not Hate, said Dowson had become a significant figure in the far-right activity taking place in Scotland.
He said: "It is unsurprising that Dowson has seen an opportunity to support far-right vigilante groups in Glasgow as they align with his own extremist views.
"As the founder of Britain First and previously a major figure in the BNP, Dowson's involvement makes it increasingly difficult for these groups to shake off accusations of racism."
The Record has reported that Dowson is currently helping around four groups in Scotland.
During an appearance at a far-right gathering at Glasgow Green on July 25, Dowson made inflammatory claims about Africans living in the city and thanked supporters of KTI for providing money.
He said: "We're helping about four groups here at the moment. It's early days, but I want to thank all the Templar people for their generosity to make it possible."
Among those appearing alongside Dowson was Darren Docherty, founder of Scots Active.
The Record previously reported that Docherty was a moderator of a WhatsApp group used to organise a far-right demonstration in Glasgow's Buchanan Street on June 13 which was marred by violence.
Docherty has denied organising the demonstration or being racist.
Following Dowson's donation of equipment, Scots Active wrote on Facebook: "Absolutely amazing people from the Knights Templar and the team can't wait to get back out there and get this kit used."
Grant Calder, who campaigned for Reform UK during the Scottish Parliament election, has also appeared alongside Dowson.
Calder was suspended by Reform after making antisemitic comments and attending far-right demonstrations in Glasgow, the Record reported.
Concerns have also been raised that tactics used by far-right groups in Northern Ireland could increasingly be exported to Scotland.
A spokesperson for anti-racism group End Deportations Belfast told the Record: "Jim Dowson is an unknown to most, however he has a well-documented history of far-right organising, financing and networking in volatile regions.
"His involvement in equipping Scots street militias should sound alarm bells.
"Hiding behind a religious facade, Dowson is seeking to export methods perfected on Belfast streets to Scotland."
Dowson has previously promoted the racist "white replacement" conspiracy theory and has been involved in anti-abortion campaigning as well as supporting efforts to prevent migrants crossing borders in Hungary.
The National has reached out to Dowson for comment.
