A significant gathering took place in Perth city centre this past Saturday, as approximately 300 individuals participated in a tense standoff between anti-immigration activists and counter-protesters. The focal point of the demonstration was outside the Radisson Blu Hotel on Leonard Street, marking the second such event in the city within a fortnight. Law enforcement officials were present to maintain order, separating the two vociferous factions during the hour-and-a-half-long confrontation.
The day began with anti-immigration advocates converging at the South Inch, a prominent green space in Perth. From there, they proceeded along King’s Place, making their way towards the car park adjacent to Perth Railway Station. Participants were observed carrying various flags and placards, some bearing assertive messages, including calls for asylum seekers to leave. Their demonstration culminated around 12:30 pm when the group dispersed.
In anticipation, a robust counter-protest had been meticulously organised by the local collective, Perth Against Racism. This group strategically positioned themselves directly outside the hotel’s entrance, generating a formidable ‘wall of noise’ to confront the anti-immigration marchers. Their presence underscored a deep concern for the welfare and reception of asylum seekers within the community. Community Voices for Solidarity and Compassion
Speaking on behalf of Perth Against Racism, Mary Alexander expressed profound apprehension regarding the ‘demonisation and dehumanisation of asylum seekers.’ She firmly attributed the underlying issues to ‘failed policies from politicians,’ clarifying that ‘Asylum seekers are not the problem.’ Ms. Alexander passionately declared Perth a ‘city of sanctuary,’ asserting the group’s commitment to ‘offer solidarity and support’ to those seeking refuge. She further highlighted Perth’s enduring legacy, stating, ‘The good people of Perth have always welcomed people fleeing persecution,’ and urged against cloaking prejudice, declaring, ‘Don’t dress up community concerns. It’s bigotry rebranded.’
Adding his support to the counter-protest, Pete Wishart, the Member of Parliament for Perth and Kinross-shire, joined the demonstration briefly. He conveyed that the Scottish Government is ‘doing everything they can’ to alleviate community tensions. Mr. Wishart underscored the critical importance of showing ‘solidarity, particularly when they (asylum seekers) are facing this ugly atmosphere of placards being shoved in their face telling them to go home.’ He empathised with the asylum seekers, noting, ‘They are fleeing conflict and oppression, and have come to the city of Perth to see if they can make a future for themselves.’ Affirming the city’s character, he added, ‘Perth is an accommodating and welcoming city,’ and reiterated, ‘We’re prepared to do our bit to make sure these people are looked after appropriately.’ Differing Perspectives and Official Statements
Conversely, an unnamed anti-immigration protestor voiced grievances, alleging that asylum seekers were receiving preferential treatment in terms of ‘benefits’ compared to some Scottish residents. He contended, ‘People in the hotels are treated better than the veterans,’ and pointed to local issues, questioning, ‘There are homeless people in Perth as it is. Why should they not be getting put in hotels?’ He strongly refuted accusations of prejudice, insisting, ‘We’re not racists, bigots or bloody Nazis.’
The recent events follow earlier reassurances from Perth and Kinross Council. Earlier this month, local authority chiefs dispelled ‘false’ rumours that Perth was preparing to accommodate an additional 250 asylum seekers. Currently, 191 asylum seekers are housed across two hotels within the city. On the eve of the protest, political leaders from the council issued a joint statement, explicitly condemning ‘misleading headlines and misinformation.’ This sentiment was echoed by councillors within the Community Justice and Safety Partnership, who also criticised the actions of the protesters.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, the council’s deputy leader, was present at the scene and conveyed the council’s deep disappointment. He stated, ‘This is not something we want to see in Perth. It’s deeply regrettable that there is this protest this morning, which is to a large extent based on misinformation and inaccuracies.’ Councillor Drysdale underscored the community’s welcoming stance: ‘We welcome the people that are here. We want them to feel safe after the issues they have left to come to the United Kingdom.’ He emphasized the cross-party support for addressing these issues, noting, ‘It was necessary that we were able to have full support across the political spectrum.’ While acknowledging the right to protest, he expressed hope for peaceful conduct, ‘We have to facilitate lawful protest as that is our rights we’ve fought for and I just hope it’s peaceful.’ The unfolding events underscore the complex dynamics and diverse opinions within the Perth and Kinross community concerning asylum seeker provision and integration.
The day began with anti-immigration advocates converging at the South Inch, a prominent green space in Perth. From there, they proceeded along King’s Place, making their way towards the car park adjacent to Perth Railway Station. Participants were observed carrying various flags and placards, some bearing assertive messages, including calls for asylum seekers to leave. Their demonstration culminated around 12:30 pm when the group dispersed.
In anticipation, a robust counter-protest had been meticulously organised by the local collective, Perth Against Racism. This group strategically positioned themselves directly outside the hotel’s entrance, generating a formidable ‘wall of noise’ to confront the anti-immigration marchers. Their presence underscored a deep concern for the welfare and reception of asylum seekers within the community. Community Voices for Solidarity and Compassion
Speaking on behalf of Perth Against Racism, Mary Alexander expressed profound apprehension regarding the ‘demonisation and dehumanisation of asylum seekers.’ She firmly attributed the underlying issues to ‘failed policies from politicians,’ clarifying that ‘Asylum seekers are not the problem.’ Ms. Alexander passionately declared Perth a ‘city of sanctuary,’ asserting the group’s commitment to ‘offer solidarity and support’ to those seeking refuge. She further highlighted Perth’s enduring legacy, stating, ‘The good people of Perth have always welcomed people fleeing persecution,’ and urged against cloaking prejudice, declaring, ‘Don’t dress up community concerns. It’s bigotry rebranded.’
Adding his support to the counter-protest, Pete Wishart, the Member of Parliament for Perth and Kinross-shire, joined the demonstration briefly. He conveyed that the Scottish Government is ‘doing everything they can’ to alleviate community tensions. Mr. Wishart underscored the critical importance of showing ‘solidarity, particularly when they (asylum seekers) are facing this ugly atmosphere of placards being shoved in their face telling them to go home.’ He empathised with the asylum seekers, noting, ‘They are fleeing conflict and oppression, and have come to the city of Perth to see if they can make a future for themselves.’ Affirming the city’s character, he added, ‘Perth is an accommodating and welcoming city,’ and reiterated, ‘We’re prepared to do our bit to make sure these people are looked after appropriately.’ Differing Perspectives and Official Statements
Conversely, an unnamed anti-immigration protestor voiced grievances, alleging that asylum seekers were receiving preferential treatment in terms of ‘benefits’ compared to some Scottish residents. He contended, ‘People in the hotels are treated better than the veterans,’ and pointed to local issues, questioning, ‘There are homeless people in Perth as it is. Why should they not be getting put in hotels?’ He strongly refuted accusations of prejudice, insisting, ‘We’re not racists, bigots or bloody Nazis.’
The recent events follow earlier reassurances from Perth and Kinross Council. Earlier this month, local authority chiefs dispelled ‘false’ rumours that Perth was preparing to accommodate an additional 250 asylum seekers. Currently, 191 asylum seekers are housed across two hotels within the city. On the eve of the protest, political leaders from the council issued a joint statement, explicitly condemning ‘misleading headlines and misinformation.’ This sentiment was echoed by councillors within the Community Justice and Safety Partnership, who also criticised the actions of the protesters.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, the council’s deputy leader, was present at the scene and conveyed the council’s deep disappointment. He stated, ‘This is not something we want to see in Perth. It’s deeply regrettable that there is this protest this morning, which is to a large extent based on misinformation and inaccuracies.’ Councillor Drysdale underscored the community’s welcoming stance: ‘We welcome the people that are here. We want them to feel safe after the issues they have left to come to the United Kingdom.’ He emphasized the cross-party support for addressing these issues, noting, ‘It was necessary that we were able to have full support across the political spectrum.’ While acknowledging the right to protest, he expressed hope for peaceful conduct, ‘We have to facilitate lawful protest as that is our rights we’ve fought for and I just hope it’s peaceful.’ The unfolding events underscore the complex dynamics and diverse opinions within the Perth and Kinross community concerning asylum seeker provision and integration.