Stand Up to Racism protesters clash with demonstrators on Buchanan Steps amid a tense standoff during the nationwide “Great British National Strike” on May 24, a movement widely characterised as opposing asylum seekers arriving to the UK.

Stand Up to Racism protesters clash with demonstrators on Buchanan Steps amid a tense standoff during the nationwide “Great British National Strike” on May 24, a movement widely characterised as opposing asylum seekers arriving to the UK.

A woman holds a sign reading “I am a concerned grandparent #notfarright” during a protest on Buchanan Steps as part of the nationwide “Great British National Strike” on May 24, 2025. While widely characterised as right-wing, protesters rejected the l

A woman holds a sign reading “I am a concerned grandparent #notfarright” during a protest on Buchanan Steps as part of the nationwide “Great British National Strike” on May 24, 2025. While widely characterised as right-wing, protesters rejected the label, saying they are concerned about the future of their families.

Two protesters engage in a heated debate as police attempt to separate them, May 24, 2025

Two protesters engage in a heated debate as police attempt to separate them, May 24, 2025

A boy holds a sign with the message “Stop the Boats!” , May 24, 2025.

A boy holds a sign with the message “Stop the Boats!” , May 24, 2025.

Demonstrators returning from a “Mass deportation” rally, where UKIP leader Nick Tenconi spoke, are kettled by police to keep them separated from “Stand Up to Racism” demonstrators. During the standoff, one man in the crowd is seen raising his arm in

Demonstrators returning from a “Mass deportation” rally, where UKIP leader Nick Tenconi spoke, are kettled by police to keep them separated from “Stand Up to Racism” demonstrators. During the standoff, one man in the crowd is seen raising his arm in a gesture resembling a Nazi salute, 26 July, 2025. One arrest was reported from this rally.

Counter-protesters from “Stand Up to Racism” gather on Buchanan Street on July 26, 2025. Police kept groups apart to prevent clashes with those attending a UKIP “mass deportation” rally, part of a nationwide tour by UKIP leader Nick Tenconi.

Counter-protesters from “Stand Up to Racism” gather on Buchanan Street on July 26, 2025. Police kept groups apart to prevent clashes with those attending a UKIP “mass deportation” rally, part of a nationwide tour by UKIP leader Nick Tenconi.

People queue outside Glasgow City Mission during a lunchtime service. The Christian charity, founded in 1926, has focused on supporting Glasgow’s homeless population since the 80s. As part of their services, the Mission provides daily meals of lunch

People queue outside Glasgow City Mission during a lunchtime service. The Christian charity, founded in 1926, has focused on supporting Glasgow’s homeless population since the 80s. As part of their services, the Mission provides daily meals of lunch and dinner, serving hundreds of people each day. With many refugees and asylum seekers housed in temporary accommodation and unable to cook for themselves, a significant number of those attending are seeking both a meal and a sense of community.

Mohammad from Syria volunteers in the kitchen at Glasgow City Mission weekly cooking meals for thousands of Glasgow's homeless and asylum seekers like him who are stuck in temporary housing.

Mohammad from Syria volunteers in the kitchen at Glasgow City Mission weekly cooking meals for thousands of Glasgow's homeless and asylum seekers like him who are stuck in temporary housing.

Guests at Glasgow City Mission attend an English as a second language class for beginners. These classes are run by volunteers and attended by people within the asylum system unable to get a place at a local college.

Guests at Glasgow City Mission attend an English as a second language class for beginners. These classes are run by volunteers and attended by people within the asylum system unable to get a place at a local college.

Local Scots, students and asylum seekers attend English as a second language classes at Refuweegee. Founded in response to the arrival of refugees during the Syrian crisis, Refuweegee now supports a wider community, with many of its services also ope

Local Scots, students and asylum seekers attend English as a second language classes at Refuweegee. Founded in response to the arrival of refugees during the Syrian crisis, Refuweegee now supports a wider community, with many of its services also open to people experiencing homelessness.

Classes are often informal, with language learning unfolding through conversation, humour, and the relationships formed between locals and newcomers. In this class they play the card game UNO together.

Classes are often informal, with language learning unfolding through conversation, humour, and the relationships formed between locals and newcomers. In this class they play the card game UNO together.

Munira (name changed) and her daughter volunteer nearly everyday at Refuweegee while also using their communal kitchen, rest and games space. This space is open to everyone.

Munira (name changed) and her daughter volunteer nearly everyday at Refuweegee while also using their communal kitchen, rest and games space. This space is open to everyone.

Protesters from the group “Unite the Clans” shout at Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right demonstrators outside Holyrood in Edinburgh. The group, previously known as “Aberdeen Against Illegal Immigration,” organised a rally outside of t

Protesters from the group “Unite the Clans” shout at Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right demonstrators outside Holyrood in Edinburgh. The group, previously known as “Aberdeen Against Illegal Immigration,” organised a rally outside of the Scottish Parliament focused on economic concerns and national identity in relation to illegal migration. Police separated the two crowds to prevent violent clashes. March 21, 2026.

Women against the Far right join a Stand Up to Racism protest to counter a rally held by group“Unite the Clans”, March 21, 2026. Women against the far right came into prominence in September of 2025 aiming to counter the rise of far-right, anti- immi

Women against the Far right join a Stand Up to Racism protest to counter a rally held by group“Unite the Clans”, March 21, 2026. Women against the far right came into prominence in September of 2025 aiming to counter the rise of far-right, anti- immigrant narratives that use "women’s safety" to justify racism. Activists have used the movement to highlight the hypocrisy of far- right actors who champion anti- migrant policies.

Independent councillor for Falkirk Laura Murtagh photographed outside the Cladhan Hotel, which houses around 90 asylum seekers and has been the site of repeated anti-immigration protests. In response, counter-protesters part of “Falkirk for All” have

Independent councillor for Falkirk Laura Murtagh photographed outside the Cladhan Hotel, which houses around 90 asylum seekers and has been the site of repeated anti-immigration protests. In response, counter-protesters part of “Falkirk for All” have gathered regularly outside the hotel in support of those staying there. Laura has regularly joined “Falkirk for All” but has faced severe backlash and threats from anti- immigration activists for her stance. She has been labelled a “traitor” online for speaking out. For her own safety, Laura now wears a body camera while in public. “The idea that the people in the hotel aren’t worthy of our love and empathy is crazy. Anyone who is taking a human approach is a traitor to them (anti-immigration activists).”

Stand Up To Racism activist Zamard Zahid (centre) marches alongside trade union representatives towards Buchanan Steps during a “day of rage against Reform” following the Scottish Parliament elections on 9 May 2026. At the event, Zahid said: “We the

Stand Up To Racism activist Zamard Zahid (centre) marches alongside trade union representatives towards Buchanan Steps during a “day of rage against Reform” following the Scottish Parliament elections on 9 May 2026. At the event, Zahid said: “We the people of Scotland reject you and everything you stand for.”

At a Stand Up To Racism protest in Glasgow on 9 May 2026, a man holds a sign reading “One Love” during a demonstration held after the Scottish Parliament elections.

At a Stand Up To Racism protest in Glasgow on 9 May 2026, a man holds a sign reading “One Love” during a demonstration held after the Scottish Parliament elections.

Activists sit on the street during a “day of rage against Reform” organised by Stand Up To Racism in Glasgow on 9 May 2026, following the Scottish Parliament elections.

Activists sit on the street during a “day of rage against Reform” organised by Stand Up To Racism in Glasgow on 9 May 2026, following the Scottish Parliament elections.

2025-2026

In the lead-up to the Scottish Parliament election, immigration emerged as an increasingly prominent issue in public and political debate, shaping conversations around identity, policy, and the future of Scotland.