A BID is being made to outlaw a White Pride march by "neo-Nazi" extremists being planned for Scotland's capital on the same day hundreds of Sikhs are to hold a procession.
So-called 'white nationalists' are planning a 'Remembering Our Past, Taking Back Our Future" gathering which is supported among others by the extreme right British Action, self-styled street activists.
It is understood police are aware of the plans.
Unite Against Fascism Scotland said that it was "disgusted that a poisonous Nazi rump called the National Front" are behind the racist White Pride march.
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They are expected to gather at Edinburgh's Waverley train station at 1pm on March 25 before moving onto the Covenanters' Memorial for 1.30pm at the top of the Grassmarket, the spot where over a 100 were hanged for their religious beliefs between 1661 and 1688.
Covenanters were Scots who had signed the National Covenant to confirm their opposition to Stuart Kings interfering in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
The event starts as some 200 Sikhs complete a Mini Nagar Kirtan festival from Sheriff Brae in Leith to mark a 40th anniversary of worship. Similar events elsewhere have involved walking from temple to temple while singing hymns.
The UAF nsaid there were plans for counter-protests to the White Pride demonstration.
Margaret Woods,of UAF Scotland said: "We won’t stand for their racism, their Islamophobia, their scapegoating of migrants and refugees.
"UAF oppose any attempts by racists and nazis to organise here and will work with others to seek the biggest united mobilisation that we can to let these thugs know they are not welcome.
"We call upon anti-fascists, pro-refugee organisations, political parties, trade unions, community organisations, to come together to oppose the Nazi National Front."
She added: "Edinburgh has no place for such fascists and racists.
"We stand with all who oppose fascism and their engine of racism. We encourage all to say Nae Nazis on our streets."
It came as some 40 far-right protesters including the Scottish Defence League and the National Front descended in Alloa on Saturday - but were outnumbered by protesters.
Onlookers said that the group stood together at the top of Alloa High Street, waving “White Pride” flags and made "racist chants".
The Yes Bikers have shown up to the SDL rally in Alloa. pic.twitter.com/OAwMQ43DlM
— Warren Hardie (@warren_hardie) March 11, 2017
Members of the group wanted to march on Clackmannanshire Council because they feel refugees are being given priority in housing over local people.
Police put up barricades to segregate the far right-demonstrators from the anti-fascist protesters.
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