Anti-fascists make sure Elgin is another low for the Highland Division

News

Adolf Hitler look-a-like Alek Yerbury travelled hundreds of miles to the Scottish town to be humiliated

Anti-fascists scored a major victory in Elgin, Scotland, on Saturday. The Highland Division and Adolf Hitler look-a-like Alek Yerbury—who had travelled hundreds of miles from Leeds—tried to hold a rally in the town centre. 

But around 300 anti-fascists—including many local people—thwarted their attempt to turn locals against the housing of refugees in a nearby hotel. The Nazis—who could only muster eight—were outnumbered overwhelmingly and in the end were forced to admit defeat.

The day began with a rally called by the Moray trades council, the STUC union federation and Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) on one side of the town centre. Around 100 people gathered to hear powerful speeches of solidarity from members of local community groups, MSPs and trade union representatives.

At the same time—on the other side of the town centre—a spontaneous protest of around 200 silenced the Nazis. It was spearheaded by locals. And they were supported by anti-fascists from Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and Glasgow, SUTR, and trade unionists from the EIS FBU, GMB, UCU, Unison and Unite. 

Whenever the fascists tried to speak, they were met with chants. They included, “Nazi scum off our streets,” “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here,” and, “There are many, many more of us than you.” 

After only an hour—and faced with such overwhelming opposition—the Nazis were hurried away out of the town centre and down a back alley under police escort.