Kirkcaldy was brought to a standstill at the weekend as the biggest march the town has seen for 30 years took place.
More than 700 people from across Fife and beyond took to the rain-soaked roads in a March For Gaza as the death toll in the Middle East continued to rise.
Members of the public, many flying the Palestinian flag, and politicians walked to chants of “Viva, Viva Palestina”.
Photo gallery:Hundreds attend March for Gaza in Kirkcaldy
It was the sort of scene not witnessed in the Lang Toun since the miners marches of the 1980s. Much of Kirkcaldy came to a standstill as the procession made its way from the Beveridge Park to Town Square.
Despite the atrocious weather, the turnout far exceeded estimates of around 400 people, with Bill Mair, who led the march, hailing those who braved the downpours.
“People were determined to show their support for Palestine,” he said.
“I spoke to one person from the Trades Council and he said it was the biggest march he had seen in Kirkcaldy. What I would hope to see now is that we don’t squander the enthusiasm of the people who turned out and we move on.
“It’s important that people realise that this is not a Muslim issue but one of conscience and human decency.”
Organised by the Fife Arabic Society, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and mosques in the region, Saturday’s march was held in response to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli troops are engaged with Palestinian militants.
Israel says it is destroying underground tunnels used by militants to launch missile attacks on its citizens yet the offensive has been met with widespread condemnation.
Gaza’s health ministry claims more than 1,700 Palestinians have died and a further 9,000 injured in the past three weeks. What started as a crowd of around 300 at Beveridge Park quickly grew as the march proceeded towards the town centre.
It followed a number of speeches, including addresses by Fife MSPs Roderick Campbell and Cara Hilton.
Cowdenbeath MSP Alex Rowley attended the march and told The Courier: “People are furious when they see bombs, bullets and missiles raining down on innocent men, women and children.
“If this was happening anywhere else then there would be talk of sanctions and even regime change. The people protesting here are coming together to speak out against what is happening there.”
Peter Shepherd, from Kingskettle, said that he felt compelled to march having witnessed events on news bulletins.
“Israel is committing genocide,” said the 74-year-old. “They do not have the right to attack the people of Palestine.”
Police confirmed that the march passed off peacefully and thanked those who had been inconvenienced for their patience.
Inspector Alan Stewart said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the public for their cooperation during what was a peaceful demonstration.”