THE Scottish organisers of an anti-Islamic movement have set their sights on Glasgow.

Pegida Scotland - a branch of the far right group which started in Germany and has now spread throughout Europe - hope to hold a demonstration in the city in the "near future".

Pegida - a German acronym which translates as "patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the West" - has held weekly marches in Germany since October last year.

The radical group, which protests against what it calls "Islamisation" of Europe and the West, attracted 25,000 people in one rally in Dresden in January following the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

The UK branch of the movement - Pegida UK - held its first demo in Newcastle last Saturday. It attracted around 400 people and more than 2,000 anti-fascist demonstrators staged a counter rally.

A spokesman from Pegida Scotland said the group had received backing from Pegida UK.

He said they were in regular contact with German organisers of the movement.

Pegida Scotland's first march is planned to take place in Edinburgh on March 21.

The spokesman said: "My aim would be to do something in Glasgow in the near future, probably in the next few months.

"We don't know the date at the moment because we have a lot of things to work out.

"We're just trying to get the message out about who we are.

"We are not a racist group. We are balanced."

The spokesman said they would not demonstrate in areas, such as Pollokshields or Govanhill, where they would be perceived as causing tensions.

However, the proposed demonstrations have been met with anger.

Joshua Brown, of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) Glasgow, said they would hold counter protests at any future rallies.

He added: "Glasgow has a proud history of standing up against racism and fascism and Pegida will not be welcome in Glasgow.

"They are not welcome anywhere.

"Glasgow is proud of its multiculturalism.

"Immigrants are welcome, refugees are welcome, Muslims are welcome, but racists and fascists are not welcome."

UAF and other groups will be campaigning in George Square from 11am on March 21 as part of UN Anti-Racism Day.