A tweet sent by former BNP leader Nick Griffin designed to stir up hostility to the SNP's immigration policies has had the opposite effect.

In the wake of the debate between the leaders of the UK's five main political parties on Thursday, Griffin tweeted a picture of black men wearing kilts.

The tweet carried a quote from the SNP in defense of its open immigration policies, and a caption saying "Keep Scotland Scottish – say No to the SNP."

However, instead of rousing opposition to immigration to Scotland, scores of people have tweeted to express their support for a multicultural Scotland.

"I'd much rather the future of Scotland look like this than full of racists, bigots and fascists," tweeted one user.

Hey everyone! Nick Griffin has learned some basic photoshop skills. And the results are FABULOUS. “@NickGriffinBU: pic.twitter.com/NvI6z5JH24” — Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) April 4, 2015

Coolest picture ever. Wish I looked as good in a kilt. Nick Griffin is a pure bawbag. pic.twitter.com/VU7NEh1yxL Why advertise with us April 3, 2015

Omg if you crop the racist drivel off the bottom, Nick Griffin's post is a new, amazing SNP ad campaign! ??? pic.twitter.com/JXBbofnqIv — Katie McGarvey (@KatieKhaleesi) April 2, 2015

@NickGriffinBU What hatred you must have in your heart Scotland welomes all creeds all colours. #NoToRacism — scotlandsaysyes (@scotlandsaysyes) April 2, 2015

Griffin's comments come following a surge in popularity for the SNP, whose leader Nicola Sturgeon was declared the winner of the televised live leaders debates in a snap YouGov poll.

Previously, Griffin has declared his intention to vote for anti-immigration Ukip, whose leader, Nigel Farage, clashed with Sturgeon in the debates after he suggested that foreign HIV patients were placing the NHS under excessive strain.

However, the photograph in Nick Griffin's tweet does not feature Scots, but members of La Sape: a community of men from the Democratic Republic of the Congo noted for their sharp fashion sense. The photo itself was taken from the book Gentlemen of Bacongo by Daniele Tamagni.