FIRST MINISTER John Swinney will join the STUC’s annual St Andrew’s Day anti-racism demonstration on Saturday as the Scottish government announced a new funding package to tackle workplace discrimination.

The Scottish government has offered up to £200,000 to support the United Workplaces Fund, backing 10 trade union initiatives to promote equality and diversity across the country with over 1,000 participants.

Ahead of the march, Mr Swinney said: “St Andrew’s Day reminds us of who we are — a nation of openness, kindness and tolerance. Fostering inclusive and cohesive communities is essential to overcome division and uncertainty.

“The Scottish government stands shoulder to shoulder with trade unions in the fight against discrimination and inequality.

“That’s why we’re investing up to £200,000 in the United Workplaces Fund to help unions increase awareness in workplaces, undertake training and build links with community organisations.

“This demonstrates our commitment to equality and diversity — core values that underpin each of my priorities for Scotland: tackling poverty, growing the economy, improving public services and advancing net zero.”

Offering her support for the march, newly elected Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “I am proud to be joining comrades from across the trade union movement on Saturday as we stand in solidarity against racism and injustice.

“With the far right on the rise, it is vital that our movement comes together to challenge their toxic and divisive rhetoric that seeks to divide communities across our country.”

Not only welcoming the First Minister, but Ms Mackay, for her “long-standing support for rooting out racism,” Ms Foyer said: “St Andrew’s Day is for all.

“Our march and rally, originally founded to combat the rising tide of far-right activity, continues to grow as working people across Scotland unite together to build tolerant, respectful and inclusive communities throughout the country.

“The newly announced United Workplaces fund aims to create just that: workplaces and communities of workers that prioritise unity over division and harmony over hatred.

“We’ll continue in that pursuit and we would invite all those who share in that vision to join us.”

Demonstrators will muster at the Barrowlands Park in Glasgow’s east end at 11am, before marching through the city to Adelaide Place by noon, where Mr Swinney, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer, and a host of other speakers will address the rally.