Craig Houston, a right-wing blogger and Restore Britain member, has told his 96,000 YouTube subscribers that police have seized his drone, phone, and laptop under anti-terror laws. The devices were confiscated at Edinburgh Airport on Friday after he returned from a holiday in Greece.
Houston, 53, admitted that his drone was used to film “silent protests” in Glasgow and Edinburgh that feature “blackshirt” imagery, which is strongly associated with fascism. He warned followers that any racist or discriminatory comments found on his devices could lead to “a separate issue.”
Detention Under Schedule 7
Houston was detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers to stop and question individuals to determine if they are involved in terrorism. He was not arrested but was warned that refusing to answer questions or provide passcodes could result in charges.
In a video after his detention, Houston said: “I said to people I was on holiday with, ‘I’m actually expecting a pull when we land.’” He noted that police made clear they did not consider him a terrorist, adding: “It makes you wonder, is it an abuse of power? Is it utilising a law that was created in 2000 for another purpose? I think that’s perfectly evident.”
Seized Drone Footage
Houston explained that his final edited videos are in black and white, making it difficult to identify participants, but the seized material includes clearer images. “At the Edinburgh one, for example, I had my drone up, so there’s footage in my drone,” he said. He also used his phone and camera for ground footage.
He expressed concern that the detention could affect his ability to travel to the United States, stating: “Apparently, the fact that they’re detained, regardless of the outcome, which is pretty s***.”
Protests and Online Disinformation
Houston has produced videos titled “Glasgow Rising?” and “Edinburgh Rising,” which were retweeted by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. The protests focus on immigration and alleged “two tier policing.” Police have warned about hate crime following a demonstration in Castlemilk where windows were smashed. A senior officer said the occupier was an “innocent member of the public.”
Reform UK’s Scottish deputy leader, Glasgow MSP Thomas Kerr, urged protesters to “be very careful” about online disinformation. “People have to be very careful what they listen to and why is it they’re going to protest,” he said.
Background
Houston describes himself as an investigative journalist and stood for the Scottish Parliament as an independent. He has been accused of stirring racial unrest. His videos have included child participants and referenced the murder of teenager Kriss Donald in Glasgow 22 years ago. Former First Minister Humza Yousaf condemned the blackshirt videos.
