Crowds oppose far-right protest in Elgin
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SATURDAY'S far-right protest in Elgin was met with opposition as crowds drowned out the event's main speaker.
Far-right groups have been targetting areas across the UK that have been housing asylum seekers in hotels.
A group known as Highland Division organised Saturday's protest to oppose the decision to move asylum seekers into Elgin's Eight Acres hotel.
The group, who were surrounded by police, were seen holding a banner with a slogan known as the 'Fourteen Words' which has served as a rallying cry for militant white nationalists across the globe.
Alek Yerbruy, who has been accused of styling himself on Adolf Hitler, was meant to speak at the event.
However, Mr Yerbury was drowned out by a crowd of anti-fascism protestors who vastly outnumbered the small group accompanying him.
People from across Scotland and the UK travelled to Elgin to express their opposition to the protest.
Ian Ballantyne travelled from Aberdeen alongside colleagues from Inverness and Edinburgh on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union.
He told The Northern Scot that he was "shocked" that Elgin was being targeted.
"These people do not represent Scotland, Moray or Elgin," Mr Ballantyne said.
"I think the turnout shows that there has been an overwhelming rejection to their message though.
"I've travelled through from Aberdeen obviously because they've been targetting the trade unions.
"But even though there are only a few of them who turned up today there has been a really strong reaction to their presence which is great."
Doug Cormack also travelled through from Aberdeen to express his opposition to Mr Yerbury and Highland Division.
"He models himself on Adolf Hitler," Mr Cormack said. "He even has the moustache and the double breasted suit.
"I can't tell whether he's deluded or not but his politics and views have no place in 21st century Scotland or indeed anywhere."
Julia Tucknott, originally from Brighton, housed a Syrian refugee in her home for just under one year.
She was pleased to see a strong reaction to the protest after making the trip to Elgin.
"They've been totally drowned out which is great," Ms Tucknott said.
"For them to walk around in t-shirts saying 'white lives matter' is despicable. All lives matter."
Michelle Lawson travelled from Dundee to make sure that asylum seekers felt "welcome" and "supported" adding that it was important to reject the far right protesters' message.
She said: "I've met people who have come across the Mediterranean and who have come across the Channel on boats and then to be faced with this kind of opposition is horrible.
"These people have been through more than I can ever imagine so it's about showing that migrants are supported."
Both Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and Moray MP Douglas Ross condemned the protest when it was announced last month.
Mr Lochhead, who attended a vigil organised by the Moray Trades Union Council in response to the far right protest on Saturday, said he was proud of the way locals responded to the protest.
He said: "I'm very proud at how the people of Moray have turned out today to stand against racism and hate. What we've seen from a very small group of individuals is a very disgusting demonstration which represents the politics of 1930s Nazi Germany not an inclusive and tolerant Moray and Scotland.
"The ratio of those here to promote peace and love and tolerance compared to those who are here to preach hate speaks volumes but it's important for society to stand up against hate at every opportunity and that's been clear to see today."
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Far-right protesters escorted from Elgin High Street by police as crowds chant "cheerio, cheerio"
