More than 300 protestors marched from Barshaw Park to County Square on Saturday in a colourful, music‑filled demonstration against racism, as campaigners warned of rising right‑wing rhetoric across the UK.
The march, organised by Paisley For All with Stand Up To Racism, moved down Glasgow Road behind drums, banners and placards before gathering in the town centre for speeches and performances. Families, trade unionists, youth groups and local activists took part, with organisers describing the atmosphere as ‘hopeful’ and ‘determined.’
Turnout shows ‘appetite for change’
Scottish Socialist Party election campaign organiser Richie Venton said the turnout reflected a growing desire for solidarity; “People of Paisley, working‑class people and young people want to unite for change,” he said. “You won’t get rid of the right wing just by condemning it. You have to offer an alternative.”
He called for investment in social housing, free public transport and a £15 minimum wage for workers aged sixteen and over.
Concerns over far‑right influence in media
Scottish Green’s candidate, Cara McKee standing for Scottish Parliament elections
West Scotland region, said the scale of the march showed increasing resistance to racism.
“It just seems so obvious we should be combating racism, but also, why am I still here saying this,” she said. “It’s becoming more of an issue with the far right gaining space in the media.”
Young people are being targeted by far right
Renfrewshire Youth Voice, a charity run by young people for young people, took part in its first march.
The organisation, works to empower 12‑ to 25‑year‑olds by building links with decision makers locally and nationally, including through its members who serve as MSYPs in the Scottish Youth Parliament. It also runs events throughout the year to provide safe, uplifting activities for young people in Renfrewshire.
Treasurer Jennifer Gardyne said young people were increasingly exposed to far‑right messaging online and “Its really important to stand up on behalf of young people and let people know we don’t want this” She continued, “We want a united future. We want positivity, hope and unity,” Speaking on the turn out for the march she said. “It’s amazing to see how many people in our community feel as passionately as we do.”
Women’s safety ‘weaponised’ in anti‑migrant rhetoric
Women Against the Far Right, who have been campaigning and protesting all throughout the UK helped lead the march, with two of its members, Rita and Audrey, saying that many were marching for the first time.
The organisation was formed in September 2025 in response to claims that migrants posed a threat to women and children. They said such rhetoric was being used to justify racism.
“Violence against women has nothing to do with race,” they said. “Reports from last year’s riots showed a significant number of those arrested had domestic abuse‑related offences. Weaponising women’s issues to pursue a racist agenda doesn’t make women feel safer.”
Paisley’s response shaped by 2024 Watermill counter‑protests
Katy, co‑convener of Women Against the Far Right Scotland and a member of Stand Up To Racism’s steering committee, said Paisley had already shown it could stand up to racism.
She pointed to the Watermill Hotel counter‑protests in 2024, when around 150 to 200 people gathered after hearing that far‑right groups planned to target asylum seekers staying there.
“That day was a really good indicator of what Paisley is about,” she said. “Instead of waiting for something to happen, we wanted to be on the front foot. We’re planting a flag at the centre of Paisley that we are anti‑racist and this is what the town needs.”
Katy also encouraged people to join a Scotland‑wide march in Glasgow on 9 May, organised by Stand Up To Racism. “If unity wins, it will be a celebration. If Reform do well, it will be a message that they won’t get a minute’s peace,” she said.
Local musicians say they felt a responsibility to take part
Local band Braes were among the performers in County Square. Guitarist James Sinclair said the group felt a responsibility to be involved.
“As a young band with a big voice and a platform, we feel a responsibility to use our voice to support those who maybe don’t have one,” he said. “We’re all so proud to be from this town.”
Full line‑up of speakers and performers
List of speakers:
- Katy (Women Against the Far Right Scotland)
- Jennifer Gardyne (Renfrewshire Youth Voice)
- Professor Henry Maitles (Jewish anti racist activist and UCU member at UWS)
- John Kelly (Paisley for Palestine)
- Shaun Moore (Paisley makar, poet)
- Najid (Students Federation of India)
- Scott McKellar (Fire Brigades Union)
- Elspeth (Faithful Welcome)
- Rory (Stand Up To Racism Renfrewshire)
Performances followed from:
- Pilgrims Society
- Braes, The Martians
- The Zips
- Cabaret Against Hate Speech.
Find out more
To learn more about Paisley for All, Stand up to Racism and Woman Against the Far Right, and how you can take part in any future marches, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/womenagainstfarrightscotland
https://www.instagram.com/standuptoracismrenfrewshire
