Falkirk Council Clarifies Role in Asylum Seeker Housing Amid Protests

Strategic Insights -

Falkirk Council's Chief Executive Kenneth Lawrie sought to address the weekend's events, where a protest was held outside the Cladhan Hotel, which is being used to provide temporary accommodation to asylum seekers by the Home Office. Mr. Lawrie emphasized that the council is not involved in deciding who is placed at the hotel, has no say in how it is run, and no role in managing daily arrangements. The council does not provide financial assistance to asylum seekers and their homelessness service is not part of these arrangements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Falkirk Council is not involved in deciding who is placed at the Cladhan Hotel, nor does it have any say in how it is run or manage daily arrangements.
  • The council does not provide financial assistance to asylum seekers staying at the hotel, and its homelessness service is not part of these arrangements.
  • The council's role is limited to providing facts and challenging misinformation, and to build community cohesion.
  • Any involvement with asylum seekers is in partnership with other organizations, such as Police Scotland, NHS Forth Valley, and the Third Sector.
  • All asylum seekers housed in the area have undergone security checks carried out by the Home Office.
  • Falkirk Council is working with partners to manage any local impact and prioritize safety and well-being.
  • The council has a long history of welcoming people from other countries and cultures, and diversity is seen as making the area stronger.
  • Falkirk Council has no role in placing or funding asylum seekers at the Cladhan Hotel, and its homelessness and housing services are not involved.

Statistics:

  • As of June 30, 2025, there were 92 asylum seekers being housed in Falkirk, an increase of 13 since March 2025 (Home Office data).
  • The protests at the Cladhan Hotel were organized by a group called Save Our Future and Our Children's Futures.
  • Around 200 anti-racist protesters gathered outside the Cladhan Hotel ahead of the larger demonstration.
  • The police eventually closed the road to traffic as the two sides faced each other.

Sources:

  • "Falkirk Council's Chief Executive wants to address 'misinformation' following Saturday's protest" ( Local Democracy Reporter)
  • Home Office data (as mentioned in the article)