Anti-racism campaigners have hailed a “no-show” by supporters of a far-right movement at a rally in the Scottish capital.
The Scottish branch of Pegida, the far-right movement from Germany, was expected to hold a static demonstration in Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon.
It was due to be the first Scottish rally by the group, whose German acronym means Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the West.
There was a “significant” police presence around Waverley Station, the Royal Mile and outside the Scottish Parliament, where Pegida supporters were expected to come face-to-face with a counter-demonstration of around 200 people organised by campaign group Unite Against Fascism (UAF).
But there was no obvious sign of an appearance by Pegida supporters at the foot of the Royal Mile, where police barriers had established a “sterile” area to keep them apart from the rival protest. The road at Horse Wynd was later reopened to traffic without any apparent confrontation having taken place.
Police said the day passed without incident and no arrests were made.
Luke Henderson, UAF Edinburgh co-ordinator, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic result today, the first ever no-show by Pegida.”
He added: “All the diversity, all the tolerance of the city was demonstrated by our side today. That’s why we’re stronger together, rather than the division and hate of groups like Pegida.”
Also present at the counter-demonstration was Nick Gardner, Labour councillor for the city’s Leith Walk ward.
He said: “It’s really good to see the message being sent out from so many people across the city that racism is not welcome here and that we don’t want to see hate crimes.”
Police Scotland chief superintendent Mark Williams, Edinburgh city commander, said: “A significant police presence was put in place to facilitate today’s demonstrations and I’d like to thank the public for remaining patient.
“I would also like to thank those who took part for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner. The day passed without incident and there were no arrests made.”
Pegida held its first UK rally in Newcastle last month. Northumbria Police said 375 people were on the Pegida rally while 2,000 joined the Newcastle Unites counter-protest in the city centre.