CSREC (Central Scotland Regional Equality Council) is deeply saddened by the level of hate displayed outside the Cladhan Hotel on Saturday, 16th August. Sadly, given the outcomes of similar protests across England, this was to be expected.
We defend the right to peaceful protest. We believe in the importance of all voices being heard, even when opinions differ from our own. As a human rights and racial equality organisation, we hold that democratic activity is not only fundamental but essential to a safe, fair, and functioning society.
However, the behaviour witnessed on Saturday was not peaceful. Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Kill ‘em all, let God sort ‘em out”, “No to Islam”, and expressed “hopes of women being sexually assaulted”. We must ask: Is this the society we want to build? Do these actions make our communities feel safe?
We absolutely condemn this behaviour. It dehumanises entire communities, spreads dangerous lies, and erodes the trust and unity within our community. This behaviour does not represent Falkirk.
We believe in a Falkirk, a Central Scotland, and a Scotland free from hate. As a human rights charity supporting those who experience racial inequality, we stand firmly with anyone targeted by hatred in our society.
We condemn all behaviour that promotes hate, harassment, or violence; that spreads misinformation; or that incites unrest toward any group, regardless of race, religion, or background. This protest embodied all of these harmful actions.
We acknowledge that some community tensions may arise from genuine safety concerns. However, we must also recognise that such movements are often coordinated, exploiting fear with the aim to further political or ideological agendas. We urge everyone to reflect carefully: who are you standing with, and what are you standing for?
CSREC stands for the safety, dignity, and humanity of every person in Falkirk. Refugees and asylum seekers deserve to feel safe in our community. We stand firmly against racism, xenophobia, and all forms of hate. We call on local leaders, partners and neighbours to stand publicly against this toxic rhetoric.
Concerns must be addressed through respectful dialogue and lawful avenues. It is our shared responsibility to call out hateful behaviour for what it is—racism, misinformation, and deliberate division. Together, we must create opportunities for constructive conversations between community members and local leaders to ensure our shared need for safety and respect is met.
If you have been affected by the recent events in Falkirk, please remember: CSREC is here for you. We are your trusted advocate, your responsible neighbour, and your informed partner. You are not alone. We will support you, we will amplify your voice, and we will continue to work alongside Police Scotland to challenge hate crime wherever it occurs.
We will not be silent. We will not normalise hate. We will defend the right of every person in Falkirk to live in safety, dignity, and peace.
Hate has no home here.
We stand with you.
