Nicola Sturgeon was among the thousands of people who filled the streets of Glasgow on Saturday as the city celebrated three decades of Pride. The former first minister joined marchers for the annual parade in support of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), taking part in the colourful procession through the city centre as Glasgow Pride celebrated 30 years.
Her appearance comes just days after she dismissed claims made about her in Parliament and amid continued attention surrounding the conviction of her estranged husband, Peter Murrell. Sturgeon has consistently denied any wrongdoing and previously said she was “deceived, misled and betrayed” by Murrell.
Earlier this week, former Brexit secretary David Davis used a speech in the House of Commons to allege that Sturgeon knew about her husband’s activities and accused her of misleading the public.
View 4 ImagesSturgeon looked cheerful as she marched in support of TIE(Image: PA Wire)
“She knew full well what her husband was doing and how those luxury purchases were funded,” he told MPs. Sturgeon responded to his claims by accusing Davis of “spreading conspiracy theories”.
Despite the recent controversy, she appeared in good spirits as she walked alongside thousands of people celebrating LGBTQ+ equality under the July sunshine.
This year’s event marked the 25th organised Pride March in Glasgow, with the city celebrating three decades since the first march took place in June 1996 as a protest for LGBTQ+ rights.
Thousands gathered at Glasgow Green before marching along the Clyde and into the city centre, with music and dancing taking place throughout the route before the event returned to its starting point.
View 4 ImagesThe former FM was spotted alongside comedian Susie McCabe(Image: PA Wire)
The celebration featured support from a number of organisations, including train company Lumo, Irn Bru maker AG Barr and Scottish Water.
A full programme of events was held throughout the day, with Liberty X and Ultrabeat among the headline acts, alongside performances from Honey G, Kelly Wilde, Just The Brave and a Chappell Roan tribute act.
However, the event did face criticism over its partnership with Coca-Cola, with the Scottish Greens calling for a boycott of the company due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Scottish Green MSP for Glasgow Southside Holly Bruce said: “Pride began as a protest against oppression, not as a corporate branding opportunity. It must remain rooted in liberation and solidarity, and those values cannot stop at the edge of our own community.”
View 4 ImagesThousands took to the streets of Glasgow to celebrate(Image: PA Wire)
She continued: “With Palestinians enduring genocide, occupation and unimaginable suffering, promoting a company that is subject to a Palestine-led boycott like Coca-Cola is indefensible.
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“Glasgow’s Pride should drop Coca-Cola, adopt transparent BDS-aligned sponsorship rules and sign the Fossil Free Pride pledge. I recognise how hard it is to fund and organise a major event, but who pays for Pride matters.”
The MSP finished her statement, by saying: “The Scottish Greens are clear, Glasgow deserves a joyful and inclusive Pride that lives its values, and there can be no pride in genocide.”
A counter-protest was also held on Glasgow Green by campaign group No Pride in Genocide. The group said: “We as No Pride in Genocide Glasgow thank the Glasgow Green MSPs for their support of our campaign against pinkwashing.”