Galashiels hosts anti-violence march this weekend

Supporters are being invited to take a stand against all forms of violence by taking part in the Reclaim the Night march through the town this Saturday evening.

Organised by Border Women’s Aid, Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre, Scottish Borders LGBT Equality and Children 1st the annual march marks the start of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence worldwide campaign.

This year’s march, on Friday, November 25, will start at 7pm from Mac Arts Centre on Bridge Street where people are invited to meet at 6.30pm, where speakers, including Christine Grahame MSP, will address campaigners before the march.

Service manager at the Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre, Susie Stein said: “The purpose of our event is to raise awareness of violence and harassment against women and others, to show a united force alongside the local community, to tackle safety and to promote an inclusive environment where people feel able and safe to express who they are.

“Historically Reclaim the Night marches have only been open to women to participate in, we recognise that other groups in our society may also not feel safe within their local community and environment; therefore we are asking women, men and children to march with us.”

Reclaim the Night marches started in the UK in the 1970s and over 40 years on they are still held annually across the country.

Information stalls, free soup and hot drinks will be provided back at the Mac Arts Centre following the march.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a marshal can visit the Reclaim the Night Facebook page.