THERE is a growing Scottish movement to boycott Israel amid its genocide in Gaza.
It’s called Apartheid Free Zones (AFZ) Scotland – an initiative launched by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity campaign (SPSC) that is looking to sign up shops, restaurants, businesses, community organisations, and trade unions across Scotland to commit to BDS practices.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has existed since 2005. It was initiated by a coalition of more than 170 Palestinian civil society organisations in an effort to put pressure on the Israeli economy in the mould of the anti-apartheid boycott of South Africa.
But a more concerted and coordinated effort in Scotland started on May 15, 2024 – Nakba Day, which commemorates the wholesale destruction and displacement of Palestinian society and Palestinians by Israel during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Now, there are five communities across Scotland that have dedicated AFZ groups and many individual businesses across Scotland that have signed up too.
Aberdeen AFZ
Launched in the latter half of 2024 with the help of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), the Aberdeen group has signed up 40 businesses – ranging from restaurants and barbers to a whisky shop and a tobacconist – to its apartheid-free zone.
Organisers like Dave Black emphasise its grassroots, community‑driven essence, with locals meeting in cafés to spread the message and gain more sign-ups.
Govanhill AFZ
Established with the help of community organisers, Govanhill’s boycott group has seen 54 local businesses – cafés, corner shops, restaurants – formally commit. Many were already informally boycotting companies like Coca‑Cola. But the group aimed to make that solidarity more visible, grounded in a shared frustration at the situation in Gaza.
Leith AFZ
The Leith group, Zionism-Free Leith, was started by the Edinburgh branch of Industrial Workers of the World, an international labour union. It looks to sign up business across Leith, runs a number of fundraisers to support Palestinian families and runs regular events.
Isle of Eigg
The small, community-owned Isle of Eigg (population ~120) recently declared a full boycott of Israel through its Residents Association (IERA). The island’s only shop ceased stocking Israeli-linked products, including Coca‑Cola, citing its alleged ties to settlements. Organisers have highlighted Eigg’s “history of taking action” and framed the decision as a local step toward “collective action” that can influence broader policy and stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
Glasgow West End AFZ
The National understands that a new group has just started in Glasgow’s West End after being inspired by Govanhill.
