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A far-right demonstration against a new £1million mosque in Perth saw politicians join hundreds of anti-fascists in a counter-protest against the extremists.

SNP MP Pete Wishart and Scottish Labour interim leader Alex Rowley were among those who took to the streets after the Scottish Defence League (SDL) announced their plans on social media.

Wishart tweeted: "Crowds beginning to gather at Perth station. Our community will not tolerate fascists seeking to divide us."

Alex Rowley said: "Trade Unionists from across Scotland in Perth make clear there is no place in Scotland for hate, bigotry or racists."

The right-wing extremists were vastly outnumbered as members of the public, anti-racist and anti-fascist groups united to thwart their protest at the proposed new development on Jeanfield Road.

One counter-protesters banner read: "Your grandad didn't vote for fascists. He shot 'em."

Video footage showed the SDL turning up in a single decker bus for the protest outside the train station.

Hundreds of people jeered as they drove off having been unable to find anywhere to park.

Counter-protesters had reportedly blocked off both entrances to the location where the rally was due to take place, while chants of 'Nazi scum, off our streets” rang out around the city centre.

Police had said they were "aware that the SDL plan to hold a demonstration in Perth on September 10.

Their statement continued: “Appropriate resources will be in place to ensure that our obligations to facilitate peaceful protest are met and to ensure that the event passes safely.”

In the end, a tiny group of 30-40 SDL members managed to hold their demonstration.

The motley bunch waved anti-refugee banners, Saltires, Union flags, the English St George's Cross and the Confederate flag, considered by many to be a racist symbol and adopted by right-wing groups in the US.