ONE man has been arrested after two opposing protests took place outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Falkirk.
Stand Up to Racism Scotland, Falkirk Trades Union Council, and residents said they organised the demonstration on Saturday to show that refugees are welcome in the town.
It comes after the group Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures announced plans to hold a protest outside the hotel known as the Cladhan.
In a social media post, the group said it is: “standing against uncontrolled illegal immigration, with people being placed in our communities without transparency, accountability, or consultation”.
At 9pm on Saturday, Kemper Avenue in Falkirk was reopened following the protest which began around 11am, Police Scotland said. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A proportionate policing plan was in place to ensure public safety and minimise disruption to the local community. "A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with a breach of the cordon line. "Motorists are thanked for their patience."
Dozens of demonstrators from each group stood on opposite sides of the road outside the hotel, with officers keeping them separate.
Protesters, some waving Union flags, chanted “send them home” and anti-racism demonstrators responded with chants of “refugees are welcome here” and “this is what community looks like”.
