BLM and pro-union activists gather for rival rallies at Edinburgh's St Andrew Square

Large crowds of campaigners have gathered on St Andrew Square for a planned Black Lives Matter (BLM) rally, with counter-protesters also on the scene.

The main rally, Black Lives Matter – Justice for Slaves, began at noon on Saturday, with more than 100 people converging near the foot of the Melville Monument to Lord Henry Dundas.

Lord Dundas is a focal point of the BLM movement in Scotland, with some claiming his actions delayed the abolition of the slave trade. Many BLM campaigners have called for the removal of his statue, despite Edinburgh Council plans to put up a plaque detailing his links to slavery.

Meanwhile, a number of campaigners, estimated to be around 30 people, for right wing group, A Force For Good, have also staged a protest at the square.

Describing themselves as “British patriots”, A Force For Good say they plan to protect historic statues from being pulled down across the country.

Eyewitnesses say BLM campaigners were booed by rival groups as they “took the knee” in tribute to George Floyd, whose death in the US last month has led to worldwide protests.

Guest speakers at the BLM rally include Fadeke Kokumo Rocks and Irvine Welsh.

Trainspotting author Mr Welsh gave an impassioned speech, drawing cheers as he demanded the statue of Lord Dundas be removed.

A Force For Good founder Alistair McConnachie addressed pro-union campaigners.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director