The 'Scotland United' initiative brings together faith groups, trade unions, community organisations and politicians to celebrate Scotland's multiculturalism.

The move comes after the stated intention of the far-right Scottish Defence League to protest outside Glasgow Central Mosque on 14 November. Scotland United have said that they will be organising a rally elsewhere in the city at the same time.

Asif Ahmed, chair of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation said: "The rally will be an opportunity for people from all sections of Scottish society, backgrounds and creeds to come together and show we are one Scotland made of many cultures. Ours will be a positive and upbeat event of celebration. We have no doubt that the numbers at this event will dwarf and humiliate whatever the far-right are doing that day."

Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer said: "Previous EDL demonstrations have seen their thugs attack Asian people, chant "Muslims out" and worse at passers-by and make "Seig Heil" Nazi salutes. It is vital that we do not allow these racist thugs to terrorise and intimidate Muslim and Asian people. It is not a time to hide but to stand up for a multicultural Glasgow, a multicultural Scotland."

Organisations supporting Scotland United:

Scottish-Islamic Foundation
Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
Equality and Human Rights Commission
UNISON Scotland
Church of Scotland
Unite Against Fascism (UAF)
Sikhs for Scotland
Fire Brigades Union (FBU)
Show Racism the Red Card
Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance (GARA)
Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations Scotland (CEMVO)
STUC Black Workers Committee
Positive Action in Housing
Hope Not Hate (Searchlight)
Scottish Afghan Society
Stop the War Coalition
Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees
Scotland Against Criminalising Communities (SACC)
Scottish Refugee Council
National Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Solidarity Scotland
Scottish Socialist Party (SSP)
Faith in Community Scotland
Moroccan Association Scotland
Youth Community Support Agency (YCSA)
Edinburgh Mela
Edinburgh & Lothians Racial Equality Council (ELREC)
Council of Bangladeshis in Scotland (CBS)
Bangladesh Samity Edinburgh
Bangladesh Catering Association Scotland
Edinburgh Blackhall Mosque

Individuals

Aamer Anwar, Annabel Goldie MSP (Conservative leader in the Scottish Parliament), Malcolm Chisholm MSP (Labour), Bob Doris MSP (SNP), Pauline McNeill MSP (Labour), Elaine Smith MSP (Labour), Robert Brown MSP (Liberal Democrats), Sandra White MSP (SNP), Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP (SNP), Dr Bill Wilson SNP, Anne McLaughlin MSP (SNP), Michael McMahon MSP (Labour), Cathy Peattie MSP (Labour), Alasdair Allan MSP (SNP), Patrick Harvie MSP (Greens), Bill Kidd MSP (SNP), Angela Constance MSP (SNP), Dave Thompson MSP (SNP), Prof Christopher Harvie MSP (SNP), Marion Hersch (UCU Exec), Elaine C Smith, Mark Thomas, Prof Mike Gonzalez (Glasgow University), Prof Donald Nicolson (University of Strathclyde), Rev David A. Collins (Church of Scotland), Professor Rebecca Kay (University of Glasgow), Dr Rowena Arshad, Prof Rebecca Kay (Glasgow University), Dr Wali Tasar Uddin MBE

We want to build as large a list of Scottish society supporting this initiative as possible. To add your organisation or name to the list, please email scottishislamic[AT]gmail.com or scotlandunited[AT]gmail.com

We will be organising meetings to build the rally and need help publicising and on the day. To register your interest in getting involved, please also email us as above. Financial contributions are also needed and welcomed.

• Scotland United first meeting