Condemning the Attack on the Cladhan Hotel

This week our community was shaken by a disgraceful act of intimidation at the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk, where asylum seekers are currently being housed. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a brick was thrown through a hotel window. Thankfully no one was injured, but that is no excuse.

Let’s be absolutely clear: this was not just an attack on a building — it was an attack designed to spread fear among vulnerable people who have already fled hardship and conflict.

First Minister John Swinney was right to describe the incident as “absolutely despicable” when he addressed it from Bute House. He reminded us that those inside the hotel have already known fear and terror, and it is appalling that they should face the same here in Scotland. His words are a timely and necessary reminder of the values we share: compassion, dignity, and respect for our fellow human beings.

Local group Falkirk For All also spoke powerfully in condemning the act, describing it as “an act of intimidation” that must be “universally condemned by all.” They are right — rising anti-immigration rhetoric, fuelled by Reform and echoed by others, is poisoning public debate and creating an atmosphere where such actions occur. Words have consequences, and when politicians stoke division, they give cover to those who seek to intimidate and spread hate.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community. That includes the men, women, and children seeking refuge at the Cladhan Hotel. They deserve our solidarity and support, not bricks through windows.

“Falkirk is better than this. Scotland is better than this. We must stand together, reject hate, and uphold the values of decency and compassion that define us.” – Martyn Day