PROTESTERS in Perth have dispersed after a short demonstration outside of a hotel allegedly housing asylum seekers.
Perth Against Racism organised a counter protest to far-right group the Great British National Strike, who announced via social media they would be holding a demonstration outside of the Radisson Blu in Perth.
Promoted under the slogan “Abolish Asylum System”, attendees from the group held signs reading “Perth is full, empty the hotels” and “deport, deport, deport”.
In response, counter-protestors displayed placards with messages like "Migrants make our NHS", "don't choose hate, it's not too late" and "we're aw Jock Tamson's bairns".
In a post on Twitter/X, Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) wrote: “Victory in Perth as the last of a demoralised group of racists and far-right activists – who had wanted to harass refugees – are moved away.”
Victory in Perth as the last of a demoralised group of racists & far right activists - who had wanted to harass refugees - are moved away. Perth Against Racism, the local community, trade unionists and faith organisations united today to say #NaePasaran ✊️#StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/2Tg4Viq0rq
— Stand Up to Racism - Scotland (@SUTRScotland) August 23, 2025
Perth Against Racism issued a statement acknowledging concerns about housing and healthcare, but questioned why refugees and asylum seekers were being scapegoated.
“The actions today promoted by far-right groups from within and without Scotland are branded as concern about local communities”, the statement read.
“Everyone has a right to be concerned about housing, about healthcare, about schools, about safety in our communities, but why do migrants come into it?
“They do not control the policies and systems that fail our communities. It’s the same old bigotry rebranded as concern about the community.”
Prior to the demonstration, political leaders from Perth and Kinross urged people to “look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation” circling about asylum seekers in the UK.
“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 does not reflect the compassion, solidarity and fairness our communities are known for,” the joint statement read.
“That is why we are asking all residents to look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation and treat those seeking refuge in our area the same way they would hope to be treated.”
Further protests organised by far-right groups are set to take place across the UK on Saturday, with one planned later in the day outside an Aberdeen hotel.
Police Scotland confirmed no arrests were made.
