Hundreds of pro and anti-immigration demonstrators descended on Glasgow on Saturday in the latest round of protests.
Protestors and counter-protestors were separated by metal fencing and a line of police officers.(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
A man has been arrested after a police officer was assaulted during an immigration protest in Glasgow city centre on Saturday afternoon.
Crowds gathered in Buchanan Street on September 20, with hundreds of people turning out for demonstrations supporting and opposing immigration.
A gathering was arranged by controversial podcaster John Watt who called for a ‘unity rally’ on the steps outside the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre.
However, Watt’s supporters were met with backlash as anti-racism groups turned up.
The two sides were separated by a blockade of police officers and metal railings. The group Stand Up to Racism claimed their numbers in attendance exceeded those attending the ‘unity rally’.
Counter-protestors supporting immigration at the rally.(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
However, Police Scotland have since confirmed that a 47-year-old was arrested after an officer was assaulted.
A spokesperson for the force said: “A 47-year-old man was arrested in connection with an assault of a police officer during a protest on Buchanan Street, Glasgow on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
It comes after a series of large-scale protests and counter protests across Scotland in recent weeks.
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A demonstration has taken place at a hotel in Falkirk for four consecutive weekends, organised by the group Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures. Representatives from Reform UK and Patriotic Alternative have were also in attendance.
Campaigners were pictured outside the Cladhan Hotel waving flags and chanting in support of Tommy Robinson.
Counter-protest group Stand Up to Racism also attended, describing the demonstration as “a far-right Trojan horse, not a grassroots movement.”
Two men have also been charged in connection with a hate crime after a protest outside of a former student accommodation block in Aberdeen, which was believed to be housing asylum seekers.
On September 11, crowds gathered outside the building draped in Union and Scotland flags while wearing balaclavas and carrying placards which read “Protect Our Kids”, as police officers guarded every entrance.
The pair, aged 26 and 40, were released on an undertaking and will appear in court at a later date.