Scots add their voices to dissent

Protests against Donald Trump’s presidency were held across Scotland yesterday.

Demonstrators marched from Edinburgh’s North Bridge to the US consulate to coincide with Mr Trump being sworn in as president of the United States.

The protest was organised by Stand Up To Racism and saw hundreds of people chant slogans such as “Donald Trump go to hell take the KKK as well”, and “Donald Trump, go away sexist, racist, anti-gay”.

Ahead of the march, a group called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence, who say they aim to end prejudice and intolerance, performed an excommunication on the president.

Sister Ann Tici Pation said: “The order indicts Donald J Trump, and all his greedy, self-serving minions, for sins against decency.

“We wish him windfarms around his golf courses, and declare him excommunicated and we judge him condemned to an icy hell of complete irrelevance.”

Similar demonstrations took place across the country last night including in Glasgow where more than 500 people gathered in Buchanan Street.

Earlier yesterday, banners were draped from the side of Edinburgh’s North Bridge. The stunt was part of the Bridges Not Walls project. More than 100 similar events were staged in cities across the world including Glasgow, Aberdeen and London.

Mr Trump has strong links to Scotland. His mother Mary Anne MacLeod was born on the Isle of Lewis.

The businessman has golf resorts in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire.

Speaking ahead of the event in Washington DC, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I congratulate President Trump on taking office today.

“There are great global challenges to be faced and I wish his administration well in dealing with them.

“The ties of family, friendship and business that bind our countries are very deep and longstanding.

“We share fundamental values of equality, tolerance and human rights, and I hope to see these values upheld during the new president’s term in office.”

Ms Sturgeon had criticised Mr Trump during the US election campaign.

PROTESTS: A limousine was set on fire as opponents of Donald Trump marched and waved placards as they voiced their discontent over the election of the new US president