Calls grow for protest buffer zones as tensions rise outside asylum hotels

Asylum seekers are backing calls for buffer zones to be introduced outside the hotels they’re staying in following another weekend of escalating protests.

Tensions flared as demonstrators and counter-protesters gathered outside asylum accommodation in Perth last weekend, forcing police to intervene and keep the two groups apart.

Those living in the hotel say the protests are leaving them frightened and feeling unsafe.

The First Minister has confirmed he will consider the introduction of buffer zones to help reduce tensions and prevent intimidation.

Asylum seeker Ibrahim was inside the hotel during the demonstration.

He told STV News: “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.”

Another asylum seeker, Sayad, echoed those concerns.

“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,” he said.

Demonstrations linked to the anti-immigration debate have become heated in recent months – particularly in areas including Perth, Falkirk and Aberdeen.

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.”

In Scotland, buffer zones already exist around abortion clinics, where protesters are banned within 200 metres of the premises.

Campaigners say creating something similar for asylum hotels would be a welcome step.

Linda El-Miligy teaches ESOL English classes in Perth.

“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.”

But those organising the protests say it would be an infringement 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.”

More protests are planned in the coming weeks.

Reform UK Scottish leader Lord Offord said: “People who are here illegally should not be here and need to be removed but that is not a licence to resort to violence. we know there is concerns in the community.

What the Government needs to do is fix the problem to allow out community to be cohesive.”

The UK Government says it remains committed to ending the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by the end of 2029 and to accelerating deportations.

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.”