ANTI-RACISM activists have launched a counter-demonstration to a far-right protest being held outside of a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Organised by Perth Against Racism, the protest was supported by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), trade unions and local community campaigns.
Protesters gathered outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in Perth on Saturday, after it was announced far-right group the Great British National Protest would demonstrate at the accommodation.
Held under the "Abolish Asylum System" slogan, a number of similar protests are set to take place on Saturday across the UK.
The group advertised a protest “for our children, for our future” on Facebook, similar to those held in Falkirk last weekend, prompting an emergency response from Perth Against Racism and SUTR.
Last weekend's protests showed individuals holding flags reading "kill 'em all", prompting Police Scotland to launch an investigation.
Ahead of the event, SUTR said: “This is happening against a background where far-right figures like Tommy Robinson are attempting to build a fascist street movement and, according to some polls, Reform UK are predicted to win between 10-15 MSP seats in next year’s Scottish elections.
“This is the same party whose councillor spoke in Falkirk sharing a stage with known fascists.”
It follows several political leaders in Perth and Kinross urging locals to “look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation” regarding asylum seekers.
"As the political leaders of Perth and Kinross Council, we stand united in reaffirming our status as a Council of Sanctuary. Something which builds on the long tradition of our communities welcoming people seeking safety," a statement signed by council members read.
"For generations, the people of Perth and Kinross have willingly opened their doors to those forced to flee conflict and persecution – from Belgian refugees during the First World War, to those who helped British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and more recently welcoming refugees from Ukraine following Russia's illegal invasion. This is part of our history and who we are.
"We defend the right to peaceful protest, but protests targeted at those who in many cases have lost their homes and family members to war do not reflect the compassion, solidarity and fairness our communities are known for.”
SUTR will also be holding an online emergency meeting on Tuesday, August 26, to stop the rising far right in Scotland. Tickets are free and those interested can book a slot here.
