First Minister John Swinney slams 'absolutely despicable' attack on Falkirk asylum hotel

Scotland’s First Minister has branded an attack on an asylum hotel in Falkirk “absolutely despicable”.

Police were called to the Cladhan Hotel at around 12.05am on Tuesday after reports of a brick being thrown at a window, shattering it.

No one was injured in the incident, but an investigation is under way.

Speaking at a press conference in Edinburgh on Wednesday, John Swinney said: “I absolutely deprecate the throwing of a brick at the window of the hotel.

“I think it’s absolutely despicable that should have happened.

Anti-immigration and counter-protesters outside the Cladhan Hotel, Falkirk. STV News

“There are people inside that hotel who have experienced fear and terror and I’m appalled that they’re experiencing fear and terror in Scotland, our country.”

The incident comes in the wake of anti-immigration demonstrations, organised by the Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures campaign, outside the hotel over the last month. The most recent protest took place on Sunday.

The group hit out at accusations it is linked to the incident involving the brick thrown at the hotel and said it “condemned any acts of violence, vandalism, or intimidation”.

John Swinney held a press conference at Bute House on Wednesday. STV News

On the protests more widely, the First Minister said he had seen some “terrible language” used on banners.

“Absolutely appalling language about people, fellow human beings, and that is designed to create some fear and alarm,” he said.

Anti-racism group Falkirk For All described the attack as an “act of intimidation” and said it was “unacceptable”.

Anti-immigration protest in Falkirk town centre outside local MP's office. — Anti-immigration protest in Falkirk town centre outside local MP’s office. STV News

A spokesperson for the group added: “Rising anti-immigration rhetoric is fuelling hostility and creating an environment where such actions take place. Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community, and actions like this bring our town into disrepute.

“If you truly believe in community safety and what is best for Falkirk, then you should do more than just distance yourself from such actions.”

Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures said it had “repeatedly and consistently” condemned any acts of violence, vandalism, or intimidation.

“Throwing a brick, damaging property, or endangering individuals is entirely against the ethos of our campaign,” a statement read.

“We organise peaceful and legal demonstrations focused on community safety and accountability nothing more, nothing less.”