Edinburgh Mayday 2004
May 1st 2004 saw the biggest Edinburgh Mayday yet, since the May Day celebrations were resurrected by the Edinburgh Mayday Committee. Many trade unions were present including Unison, RMT, NUM, Ucatt, TGWU among others. The liveliest contingent came from the striking nursery nurses who had contingents from Edinburgh and Fife on the demo. They made a lot of noise and got a lot of support from passers-by.
The march made its way to the Meadows for a rally. The first speakers were from the Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidarity Group emphasising the importance of international solidarity on Mayday. We then heard from a representative of the striking nursery nurses who got a tremendous welcome. The struggle of these workers has been a continuing inspiration to us all.
There was a little disappointment as Tommy Sheridan was not able to attend. He had lost his voice and was confined to bed on doctors orders! But Colin Fox MSP, one of the organisers of the Mayday celebration in Edinburgh took his place making a powerful speech.
The headline speaker was Arthur Scargill who did not disappoint. He spoke about the miners strike of twenty years ago, but also about the struggles taking place today and his vision of a socialist future.
The crowd then relaxed in the sunshine to take in music from the likes of Tam White.
Check out a gallery of pictures of Mayday 2004
Saturday May 1st
Assemble 11.30 am East Market Street, Edinburgh, Rally at the Meadows 1.15 pm.
For international solidarity and socialism.
Speakers
Arthur Scargill
Tommy Sheridan MSP
Bill Spiers STUC
Hilary Wainwright, editor Red Pepper
Music from Maggie Holland, Tam White and Cecilia Grainger.
Click the poster to see a larger version.
Download a full-size high resolution PDF of our Mayday 2004 poster.
Edinburgh Mayday Committee is sponsoring an exhibition of photographs remembering the miners strike. Click here for details.
Arthur Scargill to address Edinburgh May Day rally. Press Release