THE ANTI-SECTARIAN charity led by current Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson is taking to the road to help football fans beat bigotry.

Nil by Mouth has kicked off a ten-date tour to clubs and supporters groups to help highlight the positive impact football has on communities across the country.

It comes just weeks after the charity challenged SPFL clubs to give fans a vote on introducing UEFA’s Strict Liability principles governing offensive behaviour at grounds as recommended last year by the Scottish Government’s Advisory Group on Sectarianism.

The campaign, which has already seen hundreds of fans post pictures online using #KissBigotryGoodbye, will feature football quizzes, readings from acclaimed author Daniel Gray and ‘selfie-stalls’ encouraging fans to post images of what make them love the game.

A £5400 funding boost from the Scottish Government has ensured the events will be free of charge and the charity hopes the tour will provide fans the chance to learn more about work being done to tackle bigotry on and off the terraces.

Nil by Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott said: “Some of the most iconic figures in football history hail from Scotland and the game is a hugely significant part of our culture.

"The behaviour of football fans can often attract negative headlines but we know that the vast majority of fans simply want to support their team and enjoy the beautiful game.

"There are many brilliant people involved in the game who run supporters buses, wash kits, drive kids to matches, coach teams free of charge and work behind the scenes at our clubs."

He added: "This tour is a celebration of them and a chance for us all to focus on how the game brings people together each week.

"We all have our different teams and differing opinions, but we're all united by this love of the game, and its eccentricities.

"Sometimes it's easy to forget the joy, and forget that football isn't always the problem - it can be part of the solution. We hope as many fans as possible come along and join us in Kissing Bigotry Goodbye.’

Minister for Community Safety, Paul Wheelhouse MSP said: ‘The Scottish Government recognises that the majority of football fans are well-behaved and simply wish to support their team.

"Nil by Mouth has been working across many of Scotland’s communities and through its Kiss Bigotry Goodbye campaign has witnessed the passion and commitment of fans to support their teams.

"I am delighted to support the Kiss Bigotry Goodbye campaign as it goes on tour around some of Scotland’s football communities."

The tour will visit Rossvale FC in Glasgow on February 24 and will also include visits to Dumfries, Selkirk, Coatbridge, Paisley, Cowdenbeath, Bathgate, Dundee, Kilmarnock and Ayr.

Nil by Mouth was set up by Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson when she was a teenager, following the brutal sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match.