Anti-racism and anti-immigration protesters faced off outside the Cladhan hotel in Falkirk on Saturday, leading to a police cordon and one arrest. The hotel is used to house asylum seekers.
Stand Up to Racism Scotland, Falkirk Trades Union Council and local residents organised a counter-demonstration to show support for refugees, with music, speeches and placards reading “stop the far right”, “refugees welcome” and “migrants make our NHS”.
The opposing group, Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures, had announced plans to protest against “uncontrolled illegal immigration”. Some protesters waved union flags and chanted “send them home”, while anti-racism demonstrators responded with “refugees are welcome here”.
Police closed Kemper Avenue from around 11am, reopening it on Saturday night. A 26-year-old man was arrested for breaching the cordon line. Similar protests have occurred in Epping and north London in recent months, some turning violent.
