TRADE unionists from across Scotland made their way to a small burial ground in Glasgow’s East End today to remember the nation’s first strike and the birth of a movement.

Addressing the rally, Unite Community’s Keith Stoddart spoke at length on the how on September 3 1797 striking weavers were, on the orders of the city council, read the Riot Act by the 39 Regiment.

Troops then launched a brutal attack on workers which left six dead and dozens wounded.