HUNDREDS of anti-rape demonstrators have taken to the streets in Glasgow and Edinburgh after forcing militant misogynist Roosh V to cancel meetings in Scotland.

A petition opposing 'pro-rape' activist Daryush Valizadeh, known as Roosh V, being allowed to promote his view "hate speech" in Scotland has gathered 60,000 signatures.

Although Roosh V, cancelled plans for his self-described neo-masculinist movement to meet up in 43 countries, including Scotland, at the weekend, organisers of protests planned for Saturday night said they would still go ahead, claiming this was now “bigger than Roosh”.

The Herald:

And they came out in force in Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

Roosh V's “tribal gathering” or “men’s happy hour” was supposed to be a chance for the like-minded men who use the Return of Kings website to “come out from the shadows” in a bid to form some sort “neo-masculine” movement.

But in cancelling the events, Roosh V said saying he could no longer “guarantee the safety or privacy” of the men who want to attend.

Cat Boyd of the left wing alliance RISE who set up the petition on the 38 degrees site was one of the speakers at a protest in George Square.

Some wrote protest slogans in different coloured chalk on the ground including "No Means No" and "Roosh Ya Douche".

The Herald:

The TYCI women's collective of artists, musicians, bloggers, writers and producers said: "Great to be part of the quality rally at George Square tonight. Thanks to all the inspiring women and men involved."

Facebook groups set up to arrange counter demonstrations in Glasgow and Edinburgh suggested thousands of people were willing to protest against Roosh V on Saturday night.

The Herald:

Groups from Edinburgh University Feminist Society to the Scottish Defence League had called on people to gather on Saturday to oppose anyone in attendance of Roosh V’s events.

Roosh V is adamant that he doesn't endorse rape, and argues a post advocating that rape should be legal is satire.