POLICE have launched a probe into a "vile and racist" banner displayed at a far-right protest in Falkirk.
The demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants was organised by a group calling itself Save Our Future & Our Kids Future.
It was met by counter-protesters from Stand up to Racism Scotland (SUTR) as well as Falkirk Trades Union Council and a coalition of residents in the area.
In pictures posted by SUTR, protesters from Save Our Future & Our Kids Future can be seen holding Union flags, with police officers in the middle of the two groups.
One of the protesters, however, was also pictured holding a banner which read: “Kill ‘em all. Let God sort ‘em out."
The banner has been linked to the terrorist group the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). In 1998, Johnny Adair – described by the Guardian as a "loyalist warlord" and by the Independent as a "leading light" of the UDA – was pictured in a cell with the same flag on his wall.
Police Scotland have confirmed to The National that “enquiries are ongoing” when it comes to the banner at the Falkirk event.
Under UK terrorism laws, it is an offence to express support for a proscribed organisation like the UDA.
Save Our Future & Our Kids Future has denied that it has far-right links, however, the protest has drawn support from members of Britain First and Great British National Protest.
Stand Up to Racism Scotland said the counter-protest "reflected the true community of Falkirk".
The group also accused some of launching flares and missiles at the counter protest, and of shouting "vile sexist abuse".
A spokesperson said: "Saturday's events are a stark warning: the far-right poses a direct threat to life and safety in Scotland.
"The events in Falkirk show the urgent need for unity to prevent the far-right from spreading hate and putting lives at risk."
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman, meanwhile, said the banner and its message are "absolutely vile".
"It reflects the extreme, hateful and racist character of these anti-immigrant protests," she added.
"Nobody should have to see this kind of message or experience the threats and intimidation of a crowd like that on their doorsteps. It is clearly designed to cause fear. Everyone – asylum seekers included – deserves to feel and be safe where they live.
"We must all stand together against the far right and these awful protests. They have no place in Scotland and nor does the bigotry and racism that underpins them."
