Heckle wishes all our readers and contributors a happy International Workers’ Day.
Millions of socialists and trade unionists around the world are marking the occasion by taking part in May Day marches and demonstrations today and on the weekend.
We are delighted to share some of the events taking place across Scotland.
Are we missing anything? Get in touch on contact@heckle.scot.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s annual May Day march and rally, organised by the Edinburgh and Lothians May Day Committee, will take place on Saturday 3rd May 2025.
In line with previous years, the march will assemble from 11.30am at the City Chambers, opposite Parliament Square, before marching off at 12 noon to the Pleasance, led by the City of Edinburgh and the Stockbridge pipe bands.
While many participants will be marching with their trade union, a number of other blocs have appealed for support. The Edinburgh Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee (EGGEC) has urged supporters to form a Palestine solidarity bloc on the march. Living Rent branches across the city are also forming a housing bloc demanding more council housing for Edinburgh.
The rally will begin at the Pleasance at 1pm, headlined by Kadi Johnson, sister of Sheku Bayoh, and the family’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar. The rally coincides with the 10th anniversary of Sheku Bayoh’s killing by Police Scotland in Kirkcaldy and comes as the long-awaiting Sheku Bayoh Inquiry is threatened with a major delay due to legal threats from the Scottish Police Federation.
Other speakers and musical performers will include climate activist Clara Paillard, Linda Somerville of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, a Palestine campaigner, Susan Morrison, Penny Stone and Elsie MacDonald.
You can RSVP on Facebook.
Later on Saturday, The Tenementals will host a special May Day concert at Portobello Town Hall, which will also feature special guests Mick Lynch, Zara Gladman and Leah Sinforiani.
Tickets are available from Eventbrite for £16.96 (standard) or £11.55 (concession).
Glasgow
Glasgow’s annual May Day march and rally, organised by Glasgow Trades Council, will take place on Sunday 4th May. It forms part of an ongoing two-and-a-half week programme of events taking place across the city.
The march will assemble from 10.30am at Barrowland Park before setting off at 11am. The rally will take place at 12.30pm at Glasgow University Union.
Like in Edinburgh, the Glasgow Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee (GGGEC) has called on supporters to form a Palestine bloc and Living Rent branches are forming a housing bloc.
Speakers at the rally will include new RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey, Jeanine Hourani and Rami Khayal of the Palestinian Youth Movement, and historian Professor John Foster (a prominent figure in the Communist Party of Britain).
The rally will also feature music from The Wakes, kids’ face-painting and a licensed bar and café.
You can RSVP on Facebook.
Dundee
Dundee’s annual May Day march and rally, organised by Dundee Trades Union Council, is taking place on Saturday 3rd May under the slogans “Defend Dundee University, End Genocide in Gaza, Say No to Cuts”.
The march will assemble from 11.40am outside the Unite the Union office on Blackness Road before setting off at 12 noon in order to reach Albert Square for a rally at 12.30pm.
An official post-rally social is taking place at the Dundee Burns Club from 2pm.
The May Day march and rally marks the end of Dundee’s annual Speak Oot festival of trade unionism.
One of the final Speak Oot events, a launch event for The Lost and Early Writings of James Connolly, 1889-98 by Conor McCabe, is taking place on Thursday 1st May at 7pm. Heckle previously published a review by Sean Bell of the new collection. You can find more about this event on Facebook.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s annual May Day march and rally, organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, is taking place on Saturday 3rd May.
The march will gather from 11am on Rubislaw Terrace before setting off at 11.30am onto Union Street via Union Terrace and Schoolhill to Broad Street.
The rally will take place outside Marischal College from 12 noon, with “music, poetry and speakers from Trade Unions and progressive organisations”. Organisers say it will be “a family friendly event with food available and activities for children”.
You can RSVP on Facebook.
Elsewhere
May Day marches or rallies are likely to take place in other parts of Scotland. We encourage readers to get in touch with their trade union branch or local trades council to ask for information.
We are happy to update this article with information about more events if organisers reach out to us on contact@heckle.scot.
Tags