Police separate rival groups as event draws condemnation
Dozens of people gathered outside Farmers Hall in the Rosemount area of Aberdeen on Sunday as an anti-immigration demonstration was met by a counter-protest organised by local anti-fascist and trade union groups. A line of police officers stood between the two sides to avoid clashes while rain fell across the city.
The anti-immigration protesters, organised by the group Unite the Clans and attended by members of other far-right organisations including Patriotic Alternative, were reported to have assembled in response to recently announced plans that could result in up to 149 additional asylum seekers being housed in Aberdeen.
The opposing demonstration was organised by the Aberdeen Anti-Fascist Alliance together with Aberdeen Trades Union Council. Elected representatives also took part; North East Scotland MSP Maggie Chapman joined the counter-demonstration and spoke openly about the need to challenge what she described as hateful rhetoric on the city’s streets.
“It’s really important that we do whatever we can as people who live in Aberdeen to stand against hate, to stand against division, and to stand against the fear and scapegoating,”
Addressing the crowd, the MSP added that she regarded it as vital to show solidarity with anti-fascist activists and to make clear which side she stood on as an elected representative.
Slogans, filming and face-coverings as emotions ran high
Witnesses described chants from the anti-immigration side including “Scotland for the Scots” and “deport all illegal migrants”. Several people on both sides wore face-coverings, and many of those opposing the arrivals were reported to be continuously filming the scene on their mobile phones.
The event prompted condemnation from politicians and civic groups who urged the city to present a united front against division. Officials and community leaders said the arrival of more asylum seekers should be handled through established support and housing processes rather than street-level confrontation.
- Location: Farmers Hall, Rosemount, Aberdeen
- Reported attendance: Dozens on both sides
- Organisers (anti-immigration): Unite the Clans; representation from Patriotic Alternative
- Organisers (counter-demonstration): Aberdeen Anti-Fascist Alliance; Aberdeen Trades Union Council
- Political attendees: MSP Maggie Chapman
Local context and potential consequences
Aberdeen has in recent years been the focus of national debate over asylum accommodation and local services. While the demonstration was triggered by the prospect of additional people being housed in the city, the public reaction underlines how immigration policy can play out at street level and affect community relations.
Policing resources were deployed to keep the demonstrations apart and prevent disorder. The presence of far-right groups in Aberdeen will be of concern to community leaders and campaigners who have repeatedly warned that such events can inflame tensions and divert attention from practical support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Organisers of the counter-demonstration urged residents to reject scapegoating and to foster inclusion through existing civic and voluntary channels, while critics of the anti-immigration rally said its rhetoric risked stoking hostility towards people seeking sanctuary.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason cited for rally | Response to possible housing of up to 149 asylum seekers in the city |
| Police role | Separated rival groups and maintained public order |
As the situation develops, local political representatives and community groups will continue to debate how best to balance the housing and welfare needs of new arrivals with the concerns of residents. For now, the demonstrations underline the polarising effect immigration issues can have even in Aberdeen, where civic leaders are calling for calm and constructive dialogue.
