On Saturday 25 July, I attended the counter-protest at Glasgow Green in response to the so-called “Unite the Clans” demonstration. I did so because I believe Scotland is at its strongest when we stand together against hatred, division and extremism. Our country has a proud tradition of welcoming people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths, and those values must be defended peacefully and democratically.

During the event, there were several reports of threats being made towards those intending to attend the counter-protest. Such intimidation has no place in a democratic society. Every person has the right to express their views without fear of threats or harassment, peacefully. Attempts to silence communities through intimidation only reinforce why it is so important for decent people to stand together in solidarity.

What I witnessed at Glasgow Green was both concerning and inspiring. It was concerning because some individuals associated with the far-right gathering were seen making gestures widely recognised as Nazi salutes. These symbols and actions represent one of the darkest chapters in human history and have absolutely no place in modern Scotland. They are an insult to the millions of people who suffered under Nazi persecution and to everyone who believes in democracy, equality and human dignity.

At the same time, it was inspiring to see the overwhelming response from people who came together to reject hatred. The counter-protest was significantly larger than the far-right gathering, demonstrating that the overwhelming majority of people in Scotland reject racism, fascism and attempts to divide our communities. People of all ages and backgrounds stood shoulder to shoulder, united by the belief that our diversity is a strength rather than a weakness.

The atmosphere among the counter-protesters reflected the very best of Scotland. There were trade unionists, faith groups, political activists, community organisations and ordinary members of the public who wanted to send a clear message that hate will never define our country. Despite the hostility that had been threatened beforehand, people refused to be intimidated. Instead, they showed courage, resilience and solidarity.

We mustn’t underestimate the dangers posed by the far right. Extremist ideologies thrive when they go unchallenged. History has repeatedly shown the consequences of allowing hatred and prejudice to take root. That is why peaceful opposition to these movements matters. Standing against racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination is not simply a political choice; it is a moral responsibility.

However, our response must always remain peaceful and rooted in democratic values. We cannot defeat hatred with hatred. We defeat it by standing together, by supporting our neighbours, by defending the rule of law and by demonstrating that compassion will always be stronger than fear. The presence of thousands of peaceful counter-protesters showed exactly that.

I would like to thank everyone who attended peacefully, as well as Police Scotland and the emergency services for the work they undertook to help keep people safe in what was a challenging environment. Protecting the right to peaceful protest while maintaining public safety is never an easy task, and those responsibilities are essential in a democratic society.

The events at Glasgow Green should also serve as a reminder that tackling extremism requires more than responding to demonstrations. It means investing in strong communities, tackling misinformation, supporting education about our shared history and ensuring that everyone feels they have a stake in Scotland’s future. When people feel connected, valued and heard, the politics of division become far less attractive.

The message from Saturday was unmistakable. Those who seek to spread fear, racism and extremist ideology represent only a tiny minority. The far larger gathering of peaceful counter-protesters showed that Scotland’s values remain those of openness, fairness and respect. Hate may make headlines, but it does not speak for our communities.

I was proud to stand alongside so many people who believe that Scotland is for everyone who chooses to call it home. Together, we sent a clear and powerful message that intimidation will not silence us, extremist ideologies will not divide us, and those who glorify symbols associated with tyranny and oppression will never represent the values of our nation.

Our task does not end with one demonstration. We must continue working every day to build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. That is the Scotland I believe in, and that is the Scotland I will continue to stand up for.