Hundreds join Leith march against racism

Around 400 people marched through Leith on Saturday in a peaceful anti-racism demonstration.

Anti racism march leaves Pilrig Park and heads down Leith Walk ending in Leith Links. The march was met by an opposing protest by Scottish Defence League who were based at the Kirkgate. Picture; Greg Macvean

The event was sparked after Nazi symbols and racist slogans appeared on road signs in the area following the Brexit vote.

The United Colours Of Leith saw demonstrators march from Pilrig Park along Leith Walk, culminating in a rally on Leith Links.

However, about 20 people from the Scottish Defence League – which is opposed to mass immigration and militant Islam – organised a rival protest.

Picture; Greg Macvean

The group was confined to a police pen at the foot of Leith Walk and carried placards with Anti-ISIS slogans.

Evening News columnist Gerry Farrell, who helped organise the march, said: “There were 20 of them and 400 of us. We ignored them. Britain fought fascism to give us freedom of speech. But we do not accept views that incite racial hatred.”