Crisis talks have taken place between Humza Yousaf and the leader of the Orange Order in Scotland after volatile mass gatherings brought shame on the country.
The Scottish Justice Secretary spoke with Grand Master Jim McHarg online amid fears that sectarian and racist disorder is running out of control.
Yousaf, along with the First Minister and the leader of Glasgow City Council, has been outspoken about the “racist thuggery” that has underpinned some protests in Glasgow’s George Square.
Groups of right-wing protesters have been gathering in the square to “defend statues” during rallies by Black Lives Matter and asylum seeker campaigners.
But McHarg told the Record that he rejects any claims of racism or neo-Nazism being on display.
McHarg refused to condemn the actions of protesters at George Square, where six were arrested after clashes with police and with activists seeking to stop evictions of refugees.
He said he would confront Yousaf on alleged discrimination against loyalist groups.
McHarg claims protesters who have gathered under the banners of the National Defence League and Scottish Protestants Against Discrimination (SPAD) are “proud patriots and Unionists”.
He said: “I will not be condemning any of those who are trying to do their patriotic duty in defending these statues because they believe in this nation.”
Dave Scott, of the Nil By Mouth anti-sectarian charity, said: “We’re seeing far too many people in Glasgow trying to live out warped ‘Gangs of New York’ fantasies using global debates about race as an excuse to peddle hate.
“There are certainly a number of shadowy and sinister groups involved styling themselves as spokespeople for cultural traditions on the childlike basis of whoever shouts the loudest gets to call the tune.”
The Scottish Government last night said Yousaf was “disappointed” at McHarg’s stance.
It added: “When there are clear instances of racism, be they Nazi salutes or the use of racist language, we should not attempt to deflect, nor is neutrality an option.
“Everyone who claims to be anti-racist should firmly speak out against racism in all its forms.”
