Activists were left “disheartened” when posters promoting racial equality were torn down from a bridge in Inverness.
A number of signs showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement were fastened to the railings on the Ness Bridge on Saturday, before being removed on Sunday morning.
But undeterred, people visited the site to hang more hand-made messages in the hours afterwards.
Catherine Welsh, one of the organisers, said it was important to raise awareness and understand historic examples of racism, including Scotland’s involvement in the slave trade.
She became involved in support of the protests in America following the death of George Floyd.
But she was also moved to take part due to racism suffered in Scotland by her partner Aaraon Duncan from Anguilla, in the Caribbean.
She said: “Someone tore the signs down on Sunday morning which was disheartening, but it shows we need to do to these things to raise awareness as there is still subtle racism in Inverness.
“I wanted to cry when I arrived at the bridge. It was great to see the support and so much positivity. It gives you hope that people are aware and are doing their part.”
One of those who tied a message to the bridge was Stirling student Katie Wilson, who is originally from Inverness.
She said: “Growing up I learned about racism and the slave trade and I came out of the classroom thinking ‘it’s great that’s not happening any more’.
“But recent events on the news show things can still happen. People should not be worried about walking the streets whatever colour they are, whatever nationality they are or whatever religion they are.”
Sales adviser Paula Russell, from Inverness, also left a sign.
She said: “A lot of people in Inverness don’t think racism exists here so we need to raise awareness. There are black teachers looking after our kids and black doctors and nurses keeping us safe.”
A group who hung banners but did not wish to be identified said they wanted to show that “Inverness is one of the many places around the world standing in solidarity with black Americans and all black people facing systemic racism and police brutality”.
