Craig Houston, a 53-year-old far-right YouTuber and Restore Britain activist, was stopped by counter-terrorism police at Edinburgh Airport on Friday, July 10, 2026. Officers seized his mobile phone and computer under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to investigate his communications and potential links to terrorist groups in Scotland and the UK.
Details of the Stop
Houston was returning from a holiday in Greece when he was intercepted. He was not arrested or charged, but police used special powers to detain him for questioning and confiscate his devices. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: “On Friday, July 10, a 53-year-old man was stopped using powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 at Edinburgh Airport. He was interviewed and digital devices were seized for further examination. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Background and Online Activity
Houston, from Glasgow, has become one of Scotland’s most prolific producers of anti-immigration content, often reshared by far-right figures such as Tommy Robinson. He switched allegiance to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party after a poor showing in the Scottish elections as an independent. His online channel has recently featured videos of fascist-style gatherings in Glasgow and Edinburgh, including groups of up to 60 men wearing black clothing reminiscent of Oswald Mosley’s blackshirts from the 1930s.
Connections to Events and Individuals
Houston shared footage of a subsequent gathering that referenced the murder of white teenager Kriss Donald by men of Asian descent in Glasgow 22 years ago, which included children holding candles. He claimed he had no role in organizing these events. However, his best friend Sandy Chugg, a former Rangers casual jailed for violence and drug offences, admitted to participating. Senior officers are investigating Houston’s potential links to terrorist-connected groups.
Legal Context
Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act allows police to stop, question, search, and detain individuals at UK borders without requiring suspicion of terrorism, to determine if they are involved in terrorist acts. Only nationally accredited officers can use these powers, which must not be applied arbitrarily and must be informed by the current terrorist threat.
