The branch joined hundreds of people from many different ethnic backgrounds – trade unionists, activists, politicians and citizens – as they came together at this year’s St Andrews Day March and Rally in Aberdeen.
This was a celebration of diversity in the North East of Scotland and the marchers gave a clear message that racism and intolerance is not welcome here.
The branch was proud to donate to the cost of a bus to bring the new Syrian Scots from Inverurie to the march.
The event was organised once again by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, this year in partnership with #WeAreAberdeen, a group which has been set up to combat growing racism and intolerance in the wake of the Brexit campaign.
Carrying colourful banners and placards, the marchers were upbeat and joyful as they strode along the aptly named Union Street behind the stirring music of the Granite City Pipes and Drums Youth Band.
The rally at the Gallowgate heard uplifting stories from a number of speakers, many of whom had come from different countries to make their homes in the North East of Scotland. All paid tribute to the warmth of the welcome they had received from the people in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
However some had also experienced intolerance and racism reminding us that we must always be vigilant and challenge such behaviour wherever we see it.
For more on the rally go to the Aberdeen Trades Union Council blog.