ROMA residents in Glasgow celebrated International Romani Day 2014 with events in the South Side.

Friends of Romano Lav, a group for Roma people, held a march and cultural activities in Govanhill to celebrate Roma culture and people in Scotland. Around 300 people turned out to Govanhill Park to walk through the community to Albert Road.

And last night the celebrations continued with a party in Victoria Halls on Coplaw Street, with traditional food and music.

Friends of Romano Lav Manager Marcela Adamova said: "Roma used to hide their ethnicity and culture in the public because of the racism and discrimination against them that has lasted for centuries.

"So let's come together and support Roma people in Glasgow to speak up, show their Roma pride and make sure they know they are welcome in Scotland.

"Friends of Romano Lav invite all relevant parties and public authorities to create the social, political and legal climate where the rights and the culture of Roma are respected and celebrated at all times."

The event is designed to celebrate the diversity of the Roma culture, Roma language and common history of Roma people.

Around 3000 Roma people currently live in Govanhill.

Jason Bergen, of magazine Migrant Voice, added: "Migrant Voice was proud to support the Roma Day celebration and march organised by Romano Lav and others in Govanhill.

"It was good to hear some of the history and challenges of Europe's largest ethnic minority from Roma from Central Europe and Scottish gypsy travellers too.

"And great to see a few hundred people, Scots and migrants, marching together with music, flowers and Roma flags in solidarity on a dreich day."