Internal messages, seen exclusively by The Herald, reveal that SNP councillors in Falkirk raised concern at how gatherings at the town’s Cladhan Hotel could impact constituents.
Hundreds gathered outside the hotel last week to protest the presence of asylum seekers, who have been housed there by the Home Office.
But Falkirk Council leader Cecil Meiklejohn responded to the councillor concerns by stating that it was a “public” area, according to messages seen by The Herald.
The council leader then warned “strong” guidance had been in place to discourage elected representatives from discussing the protest.
Ms Meiklejohn added: “I did say in relation to social media, that it should be limited to national lines and generic for individual’s own safety and your concern could be interpreted in a way that could actually cause more concern among your constituents.”
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But multiple SNP sources have claimed the warnings were made to appease voters leaning towards Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
One SNP source said: “Cecil wanted to give off mixed messages to appease Reform voters – she is terrified that this issue will cost us votes at next year’s election.
“We’re hearing that every second or third door in Falkirk is leaning Reform. It’s a huge concern.”
The insider added: “But you’ll never appease Reform voters unless you take the sort of action Epping did. And HQ made it clear to Cecil that ain’t happening.
“It’s no coincidence that she has never condemned the appalling behaviour at the protests in Falkirk. And not a peep from the local candidate Gary Bouse who is a member of her council administration.”
A second source said: “Cecil has shown zero leadership at such a critical time. If ever there was a need to give a clear message that Falkirk and Scotland rejects hatred it was before the planned protest.”
The insider added: “Instead, she instructed her councillors not to even talk about it – pretending it wasn’t even taking place. That’s cowardice, not leadership.
“The reality is that Falkirk Council has failed to stand up to the alarming rise of racist bile blighting our community.”
When asked for a response to the claims Ms Meiklejohn said: “The SNP is the only major party in Scotland standing up to toxic politics of Nigel Farage.
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“We have a long-standing and unwavering commitment to a fair, humane, and compassionate asylum system. We stand firmly for inclusion, dignity, and human rights for all.”
The SNP said there had been no attempt to silence debate but said a suggestion had been made to be aware of the potential impact language and actions can have in fuelling division.
The Cladhan Hotel in Falirk is operated by the Mears Group, on behalf of the Home Office.
Ms Meiklejohn has also had to clarify her position after a statement by Falkirk Council said it was “considering the implications” of a High Court ruling which stated the former Bell Hotel in Epping could not be used to house asylum seekers.
Internal messages show that Ms Meiklejohn told local members she wanted to “set the record straight”, adding the council had been “misquoted”.
She said: “What we did say is ‘we are aware of the decision’ and are considering the implications’. How that has been interpreted as taking legal action I don’t know.”
A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of false claims on social media following the protest outside the Cladhan Hotel at the weekend.
“To be clear, Falkirk Council has no role in placing asylum seekers at the Cladhan Hotel. The hotel’s use is managed by Mears Group on behalf of the Home Office, and any questions about numbers or operations should be directed to them.
“The cost of accommodation and meals at the hotel is met entirely by the Home Office and Falkirk Council offers no financial assistance to any of those adult asylum seekers. Financial allowances come from the Home Office.
“Our homelessness service is not involved and has no contact with adult asylum seekers at the hotel. No asylum seekers have been given priority access or fast-tracked into Council housing or homeless accommodation.
“Community safety is everyone’s concern and we will continue to work constructively with community groups and community planning partners (such as Police Scotland and NHS Forth Valley) to ensure everyone’s wellbeing is looked after as far as possible.”
Another protest took place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Perth at the weekend, with Perth and Kinross Council deputy leader Eric Drysdale raising concerns the demonstration could turn violent.
