Protests Erupt Over Asylum Seekers at Falkirk Hotel

Demonstrations erupted in Falkirk on Saturday, as hundreds gathered to voice their opposition to the housing of asylum seekers at the Cladhan Hotel. Two protests, organised by the groups Save our Future and Our Kids’ Futures, marked a significant public response to the ongoing accommodation of asylum seekers in the area.

The first demonstration took place outside the office of Labour MP Euan Stainbank, where protesters expressed their concerns regarding asylum policies. A second event saw more than 200 individuals assemble outside the Cladhan Hotel, where asylum seekers are currently being housed by the Home Office while their claims are processed.

Protest materials indicated that the demonstrations were not aimed at all immigration but were specifically against illegal immigration and the use of hotels for asylum seeker accommodation. A representative from Save our Future stated to STV News, “This needs to stop. They need to stop filling the hotels; there are people that are homeless. Why are the people who are homeless not getting in the hotels?”

In contrast, approximately 200 counter-protesters, including members from trade unions and the campaign group Stand Up To Racism, assembled nearby. They voiced their support for asylum seekers, chanting, “No human is illegal, and we all have a right to a safe place to live.”

Police intervened to separate the opposing groups, creating barriers to ensure safety during the demonstrations. The counter-protesters were positioned in a car park adjacent to the hotel, while the anti-immigration group stood on the opposite pavement.

This protest marks the second such event in consecutive weeks outside the Cladhan Hotel. Following the previous demonstration, Falkirk Council’s chief executive, Kenneth Lawrie, expressed concern about the protests, emphasising the town’s historical commitment to welcoming newcomers. He stated, “Protests that target vulnerable people and repeat false claims do real harm. They can create division, spread fear, and do not reflect the values of Falkirk as a community. Intimidation and abuse are not acceptable.”

Lawrie reiterated the council’s responsibility to provide accurate information and to counter misinformation, promoting community cohesion in Falkirk.

Tensions surrounding the housing of asylum seekers in hotels have escalated in Scotland. A recent protest occurred outside a facility in Perth, and polling on Monday indicated that concerns about immigration ranked among the top three issues for Scots. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, also commented on the situation during a visit to Scotland, suggesting that immigration will become an increasingly prominent issue ahead of the upcoming Holyrood election in 2024.

As these protests continue, the conversation around immigration and its implications for local communities remains a hot topic in Falkirk and across Scotland.