Anti-racism and anti-immigration protesters in Falkirk face off outside asylum hotel

Counter-demonstration offers welcome to refugees as anti-migrant protesters gather outside Cladhan hotel

Anti-racism campaigners held a counter-demonstration against people protesting against uncontrolled illegal immigration" outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Scotland.

Stand Up to Racism Scotland, Falkirk Trades Union Council and local people said they organised the gathering in Falkirk on Saturday to show that refugees are welcome in the town.

Organisers described it as a safely stewarded community event with music, speeches from the local community, the trade union movement, local campaigns, faith groups and others".

Demonstrators held placards with messages such as stop the far right", refugees welcome" and migrants make our NHS".