Thousands of people took part in a mass protest against poverty and social justice issues in Scotland this Saturday.
This follows encouragement from First Minister John Swinney who offered his “best wishes” to the attendees in Edinburgh:
“In Scotland, we have managed to make good progress. Child poverty is falling here while rising in the rest of the UK, and stands at a 30-year low.”
“But too often we find ourselves held back by decisions made at Westminster which make matters worse.”
The march was part of the “Scotland Demands Better” campaign, a coalition effort combining over 240 organisations and union groups from across the country. The campaign is organised by The Poverty Alliance, which says it’s aiming to unite communities to demand better working and living conditions.
The Poverty Alliance stated in their official campaign launch: “Communities that have been failed by government cuts, low pay, homelessness and poverty are now being turned against each other. But those problems have been created by choices made by ministers, not migrants.”
“We know that an alternative, better future is possible – one rooted in unity, solidarity and inclusion. It’s time to start spreading a different message, one grounded in positivity, about the kind of country we want to be.”
Saturday’s march started outside of the Scottish Parliament, and continued through Edinburgh’s Old Town to The Meadows, where participants gathered as part of a “mini-festival” to listen to speeches and performances.
This included musical acts such as Colonel Mustard and the Dijon Five as well as Declan Welsh and Bemz. Rapper and Scottish Independence activist Darren McGarvey also delivered a keynote speech to rally attendees.
