“Even when you are inside you feel frightened let along going outside, because of the way they shout and speak you feel if you went outside at that time, you could be attacked.”
12:24, 17 Jan 2026Updated 12:25, 17 Jan 2026
People protesting in Falkirk(Image: PA)
Calls have been backed by asylum seekers to introduce buffer zones outside of hotels housing them. This comes amid another weekend of protests.
Anti-immigration demonstrations have become heated in recent months in areas like Perth, Falkirk and Aberdeen. Asylum seekers have spoken out to say protests outside of asylum accommodation in Perth last weekend have left them feeling unsafe.
First Minister John Swinney has since confirmed he will “explore” the possibility of buffer zones to help reduce “distress”. Speaking to STV News, asylum seeker Ibrahim told of being inside the hotel during the demonstration.
He said: “Even when you are inside you feel frightened let along going outside, because of the way they shout and speak you feel if you went outside at that time, you could be attacked. You feel always afraid even though I know it doesn’t represent all the people, most of the people in Perth and Scotland are very friendly.”
People demonstrating at an Abolish Asylum System protest outside the Radisson Hotel in Perth(Image: PA)
Another asylum seeker, Sayad, echoed those concerns to the news outlet. He added: “I see very horrible people at the protest – one side is for the community in Perth, very friendly people, the other side is very horrible people.”
Buffer zones already exist in Scotland around abortion clinics, where protesters are banned within 200 metres of the premises.
First Minister John Swinney said: “People have a legitimate right of protest but when that protest is threatening to others and causes distress that is unacceptable. A suggestion has been that we made to look at buffer zones, a suggestion made by my parliamentary colleague Pete Wishart. We will explore that because I think there is arguments in favourite of that.”
Campaigners say creating something similar for asylum hotels would be a welcome step.
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney in Bute House.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Linda El-Miligy teaches ESOL English classes in Perth. She said: “I think it would be an excellent idea. Everybody in the UK has a right to express their point of view, but they don’t have the right to be threatening or abusive.
“Protesters should not be allowed to come near the hotels. Our students have the right to live in peace and not be threatened. It’s terrifying for them.”
Demonstrators have said that buffer zone would infringe on their human rights. A spokesperson from Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures said: “We believe the proposed ‘buffer zones’ around hotels housing asylum seekers are a direct attack on fundamental freedoms, the freedom to protest, freedom of speech, and freedom of movement.
“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, not something to be managed out of sight because it makes those in power uncomfortable. Creating exclusion or buffer zones sets a dangerous precedent where lawful dissent can be pushed further and further away until it effectively no longer exists.
“Our protests are peaceful, lawful, and focused on holding decision-makers accountable for policies that are impacting local communities without consultation or consent. Attempting to silence opposition by imposing buffer zones does not solve problems it avoids them. If the government truly believes in democracy, then it must accept that people have the right to protest where decisions have real-world consequences, not miles away where voices cannot be heard.
“This is not about safety it is about control. And we believe it is completely out of order. We will always defend the right of ordinary people to speak out, assemble peacefully, and move freely in their own communities without intimidation or political suppression.”
The UK Government has said it is committed to ending the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by the end of 2029.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A proportionate policing plan was in place to ensure public safety and minimise disruption ahead of a planned protest in Perth on Saturday, 10 January, 2026. There were no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.”
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