More than two hundred anti-racism campaigners and supporters met outside a Paisley hotel to show their support to the asylum seekers inside.
The demonstration was organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR).
Posts on social media were encouraging people to join the far-right Scottish Defence Group (SDG) outside The Watermill Hotel at Bladda Lane, on Friday evening at 6.30, to protest against “hundreds of illegal, fighting aged men being housed in our communities that are a danger to our children”.
SUTR arranged the counter-protest to start an hour earlier, at 5.30pm. The group said a small number of far-right protesters appeared but failed to assemble a group.
A Stand Up To Racism spokesperson said: “Thank you to everyone for attending last night’s demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism Renfrewshire, backed by Paisley and District Trade Union Council. A small number of far-right protesters appeared but failed to assemble.
“Mass, peaceful mobilisations of the overwhelming majority who oppose racism will stop the far-right in their tracks. We need to build the broadest possible movement involving everyone in the anti-racist movement, trade unions, civil society organisations, faith groups and more
“Stand Up To Racism is leading the charge to build this movement across the country.
“The threat of the far-right is not going away – send us a DM to get involved in Renfrewshire today.”
You can find out more information on SUTR by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/sutrpaisley.
(All) Photo Credit: David Cameron / Renfrewshire News
