NEO-Nazi extremists have said they "will not be silenced" after discovering there is no barrier to their White Pride demonstration planned for Scotland's capital on the same day hundreds of Sikhs hold a procession.
It comes as questions were raised about the legality of what was thought to be a march and as National Front Scotland hit back at protests against the event with campaigners saying it should be banned.
Police and council sources say that the so-called 'white nationalists' are organising a 'static demo' which can go ahead without any official permission being sought.
The Sikh group, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Edinburgh said it will be carry on as normal and having consulted with police, they do not fear any trouble.
It had been thought that the 'Remembering Our Past, Taking Back Our Future" gathering was a march that would require council permission.
Circulated details indicated a gathering at Edinburgh's Waverley train station at 1pm on Saturday (March 25) before moving onto the Covenanters' Memorial for 1.30pm at the top of the Grassmarket, the spot where over a 100 were hanged for their religious beliefs between 1661 and 1688.
One National Front Scotland circular about the demo says it is a time to "gather together with white pride flags and flags of white nations, to celebrate the great history of the white race and to speak out against anti-white racism. A must attend day for any white activist!"
Unite Against Fascism Scotland, which is to mount a counter-demonstration said that it was "disgusted that a poisonous Nazi rump called the National Front" are behind the racist White Pride march.
The event starts as some 200 Sikhs complete a Mini Nagar Kirtan festival from Sheriff Brae in Leith to mark a 40th anniversary of worship.
Similar events elsewhere have involved walking from temple to temple while singing hymns.
But the organisers of the far-right protest supported by, among others, British Action, self-styled street activists, have been warned that any march, parade or procession would be illegal.
Now police have been told by the White Pride organisers that they will demonstrate without marching, avoiding any requirement to notify the council or get permission.
A National Front Scotland spokesman said: "We will not be silenced by Cultural Marxists or those who wish to deny us our right to Freedom of Speech and Free Assembly!"
Edinburgh City Council had said that organisers of marches and parades are required by law to give them at least 28 days notice of the event which will then be considered by officers and police.
Council sources say if no notification was received any march would be essentially illegal.
Once notified of the intention to hold a parade, the council then considers the impact it may have on a number factors such as public safety and potential damage to property.
Other considerations include the intended route, whether there will be a return march and if music will be played.
If satisfied, and if no objections have been received, the council then makes an order confirming an agreed route and conditions where appropriate. If necessary, the council has the power to prohibit a procession.
A police source confirmed they were aware that there would be a static demo and that there was "no legislative requirement" to seek permission.
The force source said they would have to consider what appropriate action to take if the extremists were to conduct a march.
The UAF has said there were plans for counter-protests to the White Pride demonstration on the same day.
A UAF source said: "We don't think that this racism should be allowed on our streets."
The Sikh group, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Edinburgh said:"The Nagar Kirtan will go on a procession of approximately two miles, all within the locality of the Gurdwara," the group said.
"This will take place from 11am-1pm and be approximately three miles away from the city centre, where the white pride demonstration is set to take place around the time we will be finishing.
"We have discussed the issue with the council and the police and recognise they will do their best to ensure the Nagar Kirtan is not disturbed in any way. We would also like to express the great relationship the Edinburgh Sikh community has with our locals.
"We do not fear any trouble and we will be holding this event as it was always intended. We encourage anyone of any background to come along and join us to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Gurdwara in Edinburgh."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said:“Police Scotland have been made aware of several demonstrations planned for Saturday 25th March in Edinburgh.
"We are working with our partners, including The City of Edinburgh Council, to put in place a proportionate policing operation to facilitate peaceful protest and minimise disruption to the public.”
An Edinburgh council spokesman said: “The council has not received notification from organisers. We will continue to work with police to ensure minimum disruption to the community resulting from any event.”
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