THE STUC has called on trade unionists from across Scotland to converge on Erskine on May 21 to show solidarity with refugees and fight fascism.

For months, local trades unionists — organised by Paisley and District Trades Council — the Young Communist League, Stand Up To Racism and local residents have held regular rallies to support refugees housed at the isolated Muthu Hotel and repel far-right  group Patriotic Alternative.

The fascists had sought to mobilise the local community amid a complete absence of Home Office information on the placements, but recent splits in the far-right ranks and community work by local trade unionists has caused their support to dwindle to a hard core.