On Saturday, 26 April, protests in Dumfries saw both a demonstration against illegal immigration and an anti-racism counter-protest taking place within close proximity of each other in the town centre. The events resulted in a man being charged and a woman reported to the procurator fiscal due to allegations of threatening and abusive behaviour.
The anti-immigration protest was held at the fountain in the High Street, where participants carried placards with messages such as "Stop the boats" and "we do not consent to our photos and videos being taken at parks". Among the demonstrators, an adult and a child were photographed making offensive gestures. This protest had been announced earlier in April following concerns raised about a man filming in Dock Park, Dumfries. Police had investigated incidents of alleged filming of children in various playparks across Scotland but found no criminality after inquiries.
Just yards away at the Plainstanes, an anti-racism counter-demonstration took place organised by the Dumfries and Galloway Trade Union Council, which expressed support for refugees. Participants at this gathering held signs with slogans such as "Refugees welcome: Stop the Far Right" and "No one is illegal". The Mercure Hotel on the outskirts of Dumfries has been accommodating asylum seekers since summer 2023, forming part of the local context for these protests.
Police Scotland were present throughout the day and confirmed two people had been taken into custody for investigation of alleged "threatening and abusive behaviour". A police spokesperson said: “Around 1.30pm on Saturday, April 26, a 24-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with threatening and abusive behaviour towards officers and resisting arrest in the High Street area of Dumfries. He was released and is due to appear in court at a later date.” Additionally, “a 27-year-old woman will be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with threatening and abusive behaviour relating to a protest and is due to appear in court at a later date.”
The events in Dumfries on Saturday reflect ongoing tensions related to immigration and community responses within the region. Authorities maintained a presence to monitor the gatherings, ensuring that the situation was managed without further incident.
Source: Noah Wire Services