Scottish Anti-Racist Movement

Defunct Scottish anti-racism organisation active in the late 20th century

The Scottish Anti-Racist Movement (SARM) was a Scottish anti-racism organisation active primarily in the 1980s and 1990s. It worked alongside groups such as the Scottish Asian Action Committee and Positive Action in Housing to combat racism, fascist threats, and discrimination against black and minority ethnic communities in Scotland. SARM is now defunct, with its efforts contributing to broader anti-racist infrastructure, including annual events like the St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress.

SARM emerged in a period when far-right activity and institutional racism posed significant challenges in Scotland, requiring conscious coalition-building between community groups, trade unions, and activists. It affiliated with or collaborated on initiatives involving the Indian Workers Association (IWA) and Community Relations Councils in Scotland, reflecting efforts to foster solidarity against racism from below rather than relying solely on top-down inclusivity narratives.

Key figures included Janice Fawkes, who was instrumental in its establishment alongside her foundational roles in Positive Action in Housing (founded 1995) and Access Apna Ghar. Fawkes, a former bar manager turned campaigner, faced fascist and racist threats during this work but responded with resilience and humour."As one of those behind the setting up of the Scottish Anti-Racist Movement, she shrugged off fascist and racist threats with her unique dry humour." Her involvement highlighted the intersection of anti-racism with housing equality and community support for ethnic minorities.

The movement supported broader anti-racist campaigns, including opposition to far-right violence and promotion of events that built cross-community solidarity. By the 2000s, SARM had ceased operations, with successor or parallel efforts continuing through organisations like the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), Stand Up to Racism Scotland, and annual STUC marches.

History

The Scottish Anti-Racist Movement operated during a time of growing awareness of racism in Scotland, particularly in response to far-right threats and institutional barriers faced by Asian, Black, and other minority communities. It played a role in early organising efforts that fed into more sustained structures, such as the long-running St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March and Rally, which began in the 1980s and continues today.

SARM's work emphasised grassroots anti-racism, challenging notions of Scotland as inherently inclusive by highlighting the need for active resistance to racism. Affiliations included links to broader British anti-racist networks, such as those involving the Indian Workers Association. "Affiliated organisations in addition to the IWA included the Scottish Anti-Racist Movement (SARM), Community Relations Councils in Scotland..."

Key people

• Janice Fawkes — Founding member and campaigner; also co-founder of Positive Action in Housing and Access Apna Ghar.

• Janice Fawkes
• Judith Benita Tankel

Resources

• Talat Ahmed Tartan inclusivity or workers’ internationalism? The St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March and Rally in Scotland in Anti-racism in Britain Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.7765/9781526171122.00018 Online Publication Date: 12 Nov 2024 Published by Manchester University Press 2024 From the book Anti-racism in Britain Saffron East , Grace Redhead and Theo Williams https://doi.org/10.7765/9781526171122.00021

See also

• Scottish Asian Action Committee (SAAC) | Positive Action in Housing | Access Apna Ghar | Scottish Anti-Racist Alliance

• Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights
• Stand Up to Racism - Scotland
• Scottish Trades Union Congress
• Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees