A wave of protest has erupted outside a primary school in Glasgow, fueled by unsubstantiated claims and anxieties surrounding English language classes for adults. At the center of the movement is Craig Houston, a prominent figure in far-right online circles, who has been amplifying concerns through his podcast and social media channels.
Houston has been sharing interviews with parents gathered outside the school gates, individuals voicing fears about the presence of adult learners. One parent declared their children would be kept home on Monday, echoing a sentiment shared by numerous others, while another asserted the classes posed a danger to children – a claim offered without supporting evidence.
The protests haven’t been limited to the school itself. Demonstrators have also targeted the offices of the organization overseeing the English lessons, leveling accusations of corruption against its leadership. However, these accusations remain entirely unsupported by any concrete proof.
City council officials have strongly condemned the actions of the group, accusing them of deliberately spreading misinformation and actively inciting violence. They maintain that the claims of a security loophole are false, emphasizing that adult visitors are a common occurrence in schools and specifically attend these English classes as students.
The council was unequivocal in its stance against bigotry, stating they “will not tolerate racism or bigotry of any kind in our schools.” They characterized the campaign as “misguided and toxic,” accusing the protesters of operating with a hidden agenda to instill fear through falsehoods and prejudice.
Officials directly attributed the objections to the lessons to underlying racism, highlighting the school’s role as a welcoming community hub for all families. They emphasized the value of family learning and integration programs in supporting both student wellbeing and academic achievement.
The leader of the protest, Craig Cairnie, has a controversial past. Earlier this year, he was convicted of abducting a man suspected of a child sex offense. The sheriff presiding over the case criticized Cairnie and his associates, describing their actions as reckless and vigilante-like.
These protests follow similar concerns raised last month by Scotland’s largest teaching union, the EIS, regarding the safety of staff and students at a college near an asylum hotel, following a series of rallies in the area. The escalating tensions underscore a growing climate of fear and misinformation surrounding immigration and integration initiatives.
