A major police operation is under way in Glasgow ahead of two demonstrations amid fears of confrontation between opposing marchers.
A group of around 150 anti-fascist campaigners have already been spotted in the Buchanan Street area while a highly visible police presence patrols streets around Glasgow Green, the city's Sheriff Court and Glasgow Mosque.
Scotland United have said they will hold a counter demonstration in protest over the Scottish Defence League's "anti-Islamic" rally later.
The SDL is an offshoot of its English counterpart and an organisation said to have links with the British National Party.
Scotland United, supported by politicians, trade unionists and faith groups, are to assemble at Glasgow Green at noon.
They will welcome Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie and Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary to speak at their rally, which will be followed by a march through the city centre and will culminate in a minute’s silence at George Square for victims of racial violence.
Lawyer Aamer Anwar, another one of the speakers, said: "This is a message that we are sending out to the racist thugs of the English Defence League that have said they wished to march on Central Mosque, that wish to demonstrate within our city and we are saying enough is enough."
Reverend Ian Galloway, another member of the Scotland United group, added: "In Scotland we have a poor history of being divided along lines of religion and we can’t allow this to happen now on the grounds of race. One incident against somebody on the basis of their race is unacceptable. That is what we think in Scotland and what we intend to show is that this is what everybody thinks."
When the English Defence League has held similar demonstrations in England and Wales, angry confrontations have been seen between opponents and police.
Strathclyde Police assistant chief constable Fiona Taylor said they were "fully prepared" for the events. She said: "A significant amount of planning and preparation has been undertaken by the force and a detailed policing plan is in place with sufficient resources available to respond to any incidents.”
She added that public safety will be of paramount importance and disruption will be kept to a minimum. She also suggested that people allow extra time for their journey.
The time and location of the SDL protest is not yet known. The English Defence League started in June and has held several demonstrations, including events in London, Manchester and Leeds. The group describes accusations it is racist or fascist as "flat out untrue".
The SDL was formed in protest against Muslim "extremists" and "jihadists". They say the UK Government is not taking significant action against the "Islamist assault" which they claim is threatening British culture.
