Man charged over ‘offensive banner’ at asylum hotel protest

A man has been charged after an “offensive banner” was displayed during a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Falkirk.

The banner that read, “Kill ‘em all, let God sort ‘em out,” was displayed during a demonstration outside the Cladhan Hotel on August 16.

Around 1,000 people gathered outside the hotel with the Home Office is using to house asylum seekers.

On August 31, police confirmed a 45-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the banner.

Organisers from the Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures group said they were “concerned citizens” who were “standing against uncontrolled illegal immigration”.

Following the protest, Falkirk Council’s chief executive Kenneth Lawrie praised Falkirk’s long history of welcoming people into the area, and said diversity would make the area stronger.

Lawrie said the protests were “concerning” and warned those spreading misinformation that they were doing “real harm”.

“While there will always be an important right to protest and assemble, as an essential part of our democratic process, some of what we saw at the weekend, outside the Cladhan Hotel, was deeply concerning,” he said.

Demonstrations continued on August 30, with hundreds gathering in Falkirk for protests and counter protests.

Two demonstrations, organised by a group called Save our Future and our Kids’ Futures, took place in the town.

The first demonstration saw hundreds of protesters gather outside Labour MP Euan Stainbank’s office.

Later, more than 200 assembled outside the nearby Cladhan Hotel, where asylum seekers are being housed by the Home Office while awaiting their claims to be processed.

The anti-immigration group was met by about 200 counter-protesters from trade unions and the campaign group Stand Up To Racism.

Police Scotland confirmed no one was arrested in connection with the protest activity but did say a 54-year-old man was arrested in connection with an outstanding warrant.

Another man was also arrested on Saturday in connection with breach of the peace and released without charge.

Chief superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “A proportionate policing plan was in place to ensure public safety and minimise disruption in relation to protest activity in the Kemper Avenue area of Falkirk, which began around 10.40am on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

“A 54-year-old man was arrested in connection with an outstanding warrant. Another man was arrested in connection with breach of the peace and released without charge.

“There were no arrests in relation to protest activity in the Newmarket Street area.

“Following enquiries by officers, a 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an offensive banner displayed during protest activity in the Kemper Avenue area on Saturday, August 16.”