He visited the community to mark the United Nations-designated World Day for Culture and Diversity on Friday – an occasion supported by a range of key partners including Elderpark Housing.

Mr Yousaf attended the event held at Govan and Linthouse Parish Church which celebrated the rich diversity of Govan as an inclusive and caring community where all are welcome and no one is excluded.

The occasion played a vital role in bringing the community together and refocusing it on the desire to embrace different cultures and celebrate what each brings to Glasgow and Scotland.

It was organised by “Safety Awareness Glasgow” – a much-admired organisation set up in 2015 to help new Glaswegians settle into life in Scotland and is located in Govan – one of the most culturally diverse locations anywhere in the city.

The event was pulled together by Funmi Fajemiseye, widely regarded across the community and beyond as an inspirational leader in the field of diversity and community cohesion. She addressed the gathering - speaking of the importance of diversity to the Govan community.

Safety Awareness Glasgow received support and funding from a range of partners including Elderpark Housing, the No 1 Befriending Agency and contractors Mears.

Writing on Twitter after the event Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland is a nation of emigrants and immigrants. Our diversity and differences are a strength that should always be celebrated. Well done to all those who organised and made it such a special day.”

Jonathan Giddings-Reid, Elderpark’s community regeneration officer who met the First Minister said: “We were delighted that despite what is an exceptionally busy calendar, the First Minister and local MSP, Humza Yousaf made time to attend to such an important community event. Elderpark Housing was pleased to support it and commend Funmi and her team for their brilliant organisation in putting together such a varied programme with a firm focus on diversity and community cohesion.”

An impressive programme of activities was offered including a primary school choir, pipers from Govan Schools and Community Pipe Band, a ukulele band, Romanian violin music and African drums.

Gary Dalziel, chief executive of Elderpark Housing, added: “Diversity is something that will always be around be it diversity of colour, diversity of beliefs, diversity of age or even diversity of thought. Elderpark Housing was proud to be playing a very small part in the outstanding event which demonstrates the breadth of diversity within our local Govan community.”