THOUSANDS of protesters took to the streets of Edinburgh in an anti-racism demonstration after a racist attack in the city, stating that “an injury to one is an injury to all”.
A call from politicians, trade unions, and community groups was answered by around 5000 people in the "Reclaim Our Streets" rally on Saturday in response to allegedly terror-linked anti-Muslim attacks last week.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man appeared in court on Monday, charged with five counts of attempted murder “aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection” after a series of alleged stabbings in the Scottish capital.
Five people were injured in the incident, which began near a mosque in the west of the city and ended in Leith Walk.
Demonstrators sat at the spot where one of the alleged attacks took place and held a one-minute silence.
A spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism Scotland (STUR) said Saturday’s rally showed that “An injury to one is an injury to all” was more than just a slogan.
“We sent a strong message to fascist and racist thugs that if they come after our workmates, neighbours and friends, we will respond – and we will do in our thousands,” the spokesperson said.
“The show of solidarity came after two weeks ago 7000 raged in Glasgow against a fascist gathering going on the rampage in the city centre there.”
Speakers at the demonstration included human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar, one of the organisers of the march.
He denounced politicians and media stoking up racism and Islamophobia and their “two-tier reporting,” which he claimed helped funnel the racist rhetoric that helped create the conditions for racist attacks.
A STUR spokesperson added after the Edinburgh event: “For every racist, there are many more of us prepared to respond to their violence.
“We are going to fight together to oppose the far right – and we will fight together for real change.
“We invite everybody to join us in Glasgow on July 25 to oppose white supremacists Unite the Clans and join us in Falkirk on August 15 to celebrate the year anniversary of anti-racism, antifascist resistance against the far-right in the town.”
Ahead of the rally, comic Frankie Boyle said it is “important to resist the general drift in this country towards racist scapegoating” .
“Idiots on the far right are being empowered by the cavalier attitude of the media and political classes,” he added. “Solidarity with everyone in Leith marching to protect their communities.”
Thousands of people took part in an anti-racism demonstration in Edinburgh on Saturday in response to allegedly terror-linked anti-Muslim attacks last week. Demonstrators sat at the spot where one of the alleged attacks took place in Leith Walk and held a one-minute silence. pic.twitter.com/BQPW2hreFd
— The National (@ScotNational) June 28, 2026
Humza Yousaf, former first minister, said: “When dog-whistles about Muslims are blown every day by those in parliament, and sections of the media, it is hardly a surprise that people then act upon it.
“It is time for all decent and good people to come together and demand action in tackling the corrosive and damaging impact the far right are having on our society and communities.”
Earlier in June, racist rioters on the streets of Glasgow targeted people based on the colour of their skin following a stabbing attack in Belfast.
In response to the disorder, fuelled by far-right agitators, thousands of Scots protested on Buchanan Street. A small counter protest saw Nazi salutes thrown and scuffles with the police.
