Marchers call for end to 'vile' racist groups

The march called for a future free of racism in Scotland

Hundreds of people have taken part in a march and rally against racism in Glasgow.

The event, in advance of St Andrew's Day, was organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

The march set off from St Andrew's in the Square, off Saltmarket, for a rally of about 500 people at the Glasgow Film Theatre, on Rose Street.

The rally received messages of support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and First Minister Alex Salmond.

Speaking before the march, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy, said: "It is right that we tackle racist and fascist views and show to the world that Scotland is against racism.

"Racism has no place in a modern society and the vast majority of people in Scotland embrace equality and diversity openly".

'Vile views'

STUC general secretary, Grahame Smith said: "There is no place in Scotland for the extremist defence leagues, their vile views and their hatred of our Muslim community.

"Their attacks on Muslims should not be tolerated in our multi-cultural Scottish society.

"In fighting for a future free from racism we are proud of our record as trade unionists in challenging the racism and bigotry that exists in our society, but we cannot afford to be complacent."

Other organisations taking part in the march and rally included Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance and Hope not Hate Scotland.