Hundreds of people from many different ethnic backgrounds - trade
unionists, activists, politicians and citizens - came together at this year’s St
Andrews Day March and Rally in Aberdeen in a celebration of diversity in the
North East of Scotland and to give a clear message that racism and intolerance is not welcome
here.
The event was organised once again by Aberdeen Trades Union Council,
this year in partnership with #WeAreAberdeen, a group which has been set up to
combat growing racism and intolerance in the wake of the Brexit campaign.
Carrying colourful banners and placards, the marchers were
upbeat and joyful as they strode along the aptly named Union Street behind the
stirring music of the Granite City Pipes and Drums Youth Band.
The rally at the Gallowgate heard uplifting stories from a
number of speakers, many of whom had come from different countries to make
their homes in the North East of Scotland. All paid tribute to the warmth of
the welcome they had received from the people in Aberdeen City and
Aberdeenshire. However some had also
experienced intolerance and racism reminding us that we must always be vigilant
and challenge such behaviour wherever we see it.