Courage comes in many guises. But it speaks loudest when it talks quietly.

And if you want a masterclass in courage, then read the piece Arushi Bhaik wrote for The P&J last week about how the far right is making people like her feel less at home in Aberdeen.

It is an understated yet powerful statement about belonging in a beloved place, but that sense is being undermined as the poisonous dogwhistle of the far-right attempts to “other” the different communities who have chosen to make Scotland their home.

If you can read Arushi’s words and not feel sadness and shame that she has to constantly justify where she “really comes from”, then you need to reflect on your sense of humanity.

And if you don’t wince at her telling of indiscriminate prejudice and hate being directed at her and her friends on the streets because of their South Asian heritage then you are part of the problem.

Arushi makes a salient point that the screaming voices claiming to be anti-immigration because they are “protecting women” are the very ones leaving vulnerable women open to abuse and fear.

She was brave to speak out. She needs to be heard.

So, to those who are shouting abuse in street protests, making outlandish claims about people fleeing to Scotland to seek asylum, making up lies and smears based on skin colour and religion, do you feel proud?

Are you happy that your “patrolling” is leaving countless women, like Arushi, feeling vulnerable, unwelcome and unsafe?

Does flying false flag Saltires – hijacking the symbol of one of the most egalitarian and welcoming countries in the world – to intimidate other communities in our city make you feel hard?

But rest assured. Your motives, your type and your ilk are known.

Last week in Falkirk, Connor Graham, organiser of the Save Our Futures and Our Kids Future, which started protests outside a hotel housing aslylum seekers, was convicted of threatening a police officer during one of said protests.

In sentencing him, Sheriff William Gilchrist, said: “It’s somewhat ironic that your motivation for being there was a concern about public safety.

“You have an extensive record yourself. You seem to be taking the risk to your community rather than the individuals residing in this hotel.”

QED. And it’s a verdict that no doubt could be made of many of the ringleaders behind such protests across the country.

Not so long ago, I would have said with pride and without equivocation that Aberdeen – all of Scotland, actually – was the most welcoming and tolerant place in the world.

We cannot let that be snatched away from us by allowing the shrill voices of far-right malignant racism to take a foothold in our society.

And our response doesn’t need to be shouty, or aggressive. Division is what the far right craves.

All it takes is for the majority of decent, welcoming people in our city to quietly make everyone in Aberdeen feel welcome. To let them know that they are home.

Scott Begbie is a journalist and editor, as well as PR and comms manager for Aberdeen Inspired.

© The Press & Journal