Our Future Free from Racism

This has been a momentous year for Scotland. The referendum, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup – the eyes of the world have been on us like never before.

I never doubted that as a people we would rise to this challenge; that we would do Scotland proud.

And so it has proved. Last year I wrote that the Commonwealth Games would be a key demonstration of the value of progress and I think it’s fair to say that they were the most stirring success and a potent reminder of sport’s power to unite.

These truly were the friendly games – perhaps the friendliest – and Glasgow was abuzz for the duration

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Every country was warmly welcomed, every competitor respected. Around the world, people were treated to a fun, inclusive and tolerant Games.

This image will have been viewed around the globe and its power should not be under-estimated.

The challenge is now to build on this; to promote our shared vision of a future free from racism.

This won’t be easy, but I am up for the fight and it’s clear the STUC is too.

And quite frankly, the message is clear - whether prompted by skin colour, religion or nationality, discrimination is completely unacceptable in modern Scotland.

Yet, while we’ve come far, Scotland’s not there yet. Simply put, we cannot be complacent and we mustn’t ease up.

We still, to our collective shame, have pockets of intolerance here in Scotland and we can’t shy away from this or try to sweep it under the carpet.

That’s why it is so important that rallies like this continue to take place and I am extremely proud to offer this longstanding event my wholehearted support. 

Ruth Davidson

Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party