Extremist sows seeds of racism to aid Reform in Scottish by-election
Richard McFarlane makes hate-filled banners and posters from his flat in Bellshill
A far-right extremist injecting hate-filled racism into a bitter by-election contest is today exposed by the Daily Record.
Richard McFarlane is a key activist for fascist group Patriotic Alternative and has produced a series of racist banners and leaflets urging voters to back Nigel Farage's Reform party.
The Daily Record has previously exposed how Patriotic Alternative and Scottish extreme right wing influencer David Clews have agreed to support Reform, hoping their racist followers can infiltrate the party and increase their influence.
Thursday's by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is their first serious attempt to put their plan into action.
McFarlane has been targeting shoppers, motorists and even children with his megaphone rants in recent days, stirring hatred with banners that include 'Scotland Built By White People'.
At the war memorial at Bothwell Bridge the former independence supporter has also customised racist messages like 'Scotland too white, Anas?' aimed at Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar.
McFarlane's banners are accompanied by 'Vote Reform' banners.
One local who contacted the Record expressed disgust for McFarlane's antics, saying: 'He is, in most people's eyes, an oddball and an idiot.
'But he is screaming down his megaphone for people to vote for Reform - and Farage and co will happily take votes from wherever they get them.
'McFarlane's messages are direct and blunt and fairly vicious on immigration. He goes further than Reform would get away with, which is saying something.
'He is a very useful idiot for Reform and if he helps nudge them forward, Reform could get a good result. Even second place would be hugely significant and symbolic for them in a Scottish seat.'
When approached by the Daily Record, McFarlane, 59, admitted being the man who painted a sign saying: 'Bothwell Bridge was built by white people.'
He said: 'I'm campaigning at arm's length for Reform.
'We've focused a lot of our campaign at Bothwell Bridge because it as the scene of a historic battle and we believe we will overcome.
'We believe that all illegal immigrants should be repatriated immediately - but that is just a starting point.
'We are battling against a revisionism in our history, one that tells people that it was black people who built Stonehenge. We are fighting back.'
The source said: 'If the rantings of McFarlane made a significant difference to this election it would be a tragedy.'
In 2022 McFarlane was compared to a smurf by a sheriff when he turned up at court in blue face paint.
He was convicted of sending a hate-filled homophobic letter to then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The rant was filled with references to Derek Mackay, a former SNP finance minister, and also contained several biblical quotations.
The former soldier was reprimanded by Sheriff John Cook, who ordered him to wipe his face clean before the trial could commence.
The letter sent by McFarlane, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, stated that he believed homosexuality 'leads to paedophilia which leads to bestiality'.
McFarlane, an unemployed HGV driver, was placed on a community payback ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
Reform's political rivals last night blamed Nigel Farage for providing a platform for extremist views.
A spokesperson for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: 'The people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will see through this pathetic and shameful attempt to sew division and hatred.
'Racism and conspiracy theory has no place in our society.
'Reform should be ashamed of these tactics by some of their supporters.'
'Anas Sarwar is a proud Scot that worked in our NHS. He is making the case every day for a better Scotland for all.'
The spokesperson added: 'Regardless of our politics, his love and loyalty to our great country should be unquestionable.'
The Daily Record previously revealed that Patriot Alternative made a pact with far right influencer and conspiracy theory obsessive David Clews - who runs the Unity News Network website - to openly infiltrate Reform UK.
Clews and PA leader Mark Collett - a neo-Nazi and former BNP leader - urged their followers to take up positions within Reform in order for them to reap the political gains later.
McFarlane's ranting in places like Hamilton, Stonehouse and Bothwell were the first evidence of their plan in action.
The by-election campaign took an ugly turn last week when Reform openly launched an online attack advert on Sarwar.
The online Facebook ad included an image of Sarwar next to the words: 'Anas Sarwar has said he will prioritise the Pakistani community.'
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However, video playback proves that Sarwar did not say that he would 'prioritise' the Pakistani community. He accused Reform UK of racism.
All eyes are on the by-election as it could show that Reform can make a real impact in areas where they would previously have lost their deposit due to meagre poll results.
The party swept the board in English local elections, crushing Tory and Labour support up and down the country.
First Minister John Swinney has tried to galvanise support by ruling out Labour's candidate Davy Russell - who has been accused of dodging any televised debate and being 'anonymous'.
Swinney claims it is a two horse race between SNP candidate Katy Loudon and Reform's Ross Lambie.
Reform UK has distanced itself from Patriotic Alternative.
A Reform UK spokesman said: 'These banners are nothing to do with Reform UK, we have no connection whatsoever with this group.'
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