St Andrew’s Day 2006 - Love Scotland: Hate Racism

The Annual St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism Event took place on Saturday 25 November 2006. Nearly 800 people marched through the streets of Glasgow to demonstrate that they love Scotland, but hate racism.

Following the march people gathered in the ABC concert hall to celebrate Scotland’s great diversity, with entertainment from St Aloysius Primary School drummers and choir, East Renfrewshire Council Jazz Ensemble, and Edinburgh based rock and reggae group Makossa. Art and craft activities were available for children, people could browse the many stalls and exhibitions, and food and drink was on sale.

The STUC was delighted to have the support of Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance, trade unions, Scottish politicians, the Commission for Racial Equality, local authorities, students, faith and community groups, for our St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March:

“I am proud to join with the STUC and celebrate what is best about Scotland, and take a firm stand against racism”. Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister, Leader Scottish Labour Party.

“Students have an important role to play in promoting an equal society free from hatred, discrimination and racism”. Jill Little, National Union of Students Scotland.

“Racism has to be guarded against, challenged and defeated – over and over again. That is why the St Andrew’s day event is so important”. Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Depute Leader, Scottish National Party.

"Today's march says we want to live and work in a Scotland where nobody experiences racial inequality and everybody benefits as a result." Ali Jarvis, Interim Director Commission for Racial Equality Scotland.

“I would like to commend the STUC and GARA for their work in organising the St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism Event… it will send a strong signal that the people of Scotland reject racism in all its forms” Nicol Stephen MSP, Deputy First Minister, Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader.

“Let us use this new St Andrew’s Day to embrace diversity…and to understand that pattern is better than uniformity, and that our diverse identities are the weave that holds the cloth of Scotland together.” Ephraim Borowski, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities.

“Where racism is found it needs to be stamped out, because racism has no place in Scotland”. Annabel Goldie MSP, Leader Scottish Conservative Party.

“We all need to send out a clear message to people across the country – racist anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated” Mile Gazic, Scottish Refugee Council Policy Forum.

“Being Scots is not about where you were born but where your heart resides. Let’s defend all those living amongst us from racism whatever its source”. Colin Fox, MSP Leader, Scottish Socialist Party.

“We have to hold fast to the principle that everyone has the right to live their lives as they please as long as they don’t infringe the rights of others. This enriches us all, but has been all too quickly forgotten recently”. Osama Saeed, Muslim Association of Britain.

“It’s in everyone’s interests that Scotland’s diversity is appreciated and nurtured”. Shiona Baird MSP, Co-Convenor Scottish Green Party.

“The Scotland we seek to build for our kids must be based on the human values of love, solidarity and mutual respect. There is no place for racism, bigotry and aggressive intolerance in the Scotland of today or the Scotland of the future”. Tommy Sheridan MSP, Solidarity.

“If we really want to change Scottish society for the better, then we all need to get involved and make a stand. Together we can build an anti-racist Scotland”.
Jatin Haria, Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance.

“The St Andrew’s Day March Against Racism symbolises the solidarity that exists between different communities. However, it is more than a symbol. It reflects our determination to join hands and work together to build a better Scotland”. Habib Hashmi, STUC Black Workers’ Committee.