A Scottish town has seen its population swell by 300 due to an influx of asylum seekers staying in a three star migrant hotel. Located in Aberdeenshire, Westhill is renowned for its family oriented atmosphere. However, locals have seen hundreds of men from Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan and Eritrea staying in the neighbourhood.
Just eight miles from Aberdeen city centre, the Hampton by Hilton hotel has been housing asylum seekers since March 2023. The hotel comes equipped with a fitness centre, en-suite bathrooms, breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. Asylum seekers staying here are treated to three meals a day, with two migrants staying in each room at the hotel, according to a report by the BBC.
The report claims some men have reportedly been staying at the hotel for over two years. David (not his real name), from Iran, believes they can integrate with the Westhill people, who he says have been welcoming.
He told the BBC: “They are very sweet and very kind. That’s very important for me, because if they help us, we can integrate with the situation and with the people of the town, and Scotland.”
He continues: “I know someone from Iran, he has been here for two years. That’s too long for a person to stay in a hotel room.
“Some refugees have done some things that are not good, but it is not all of the refugees. We see some protests around the town and that’s not good, because I think why? I am a Christian, I come here because I am a refugee, my life is in danger.”
Last month the hotel was at the forefront of anti-immigration protests where hundreds of flag waving demonstrators banged drums, blared sirens and shouted chants, including “send them home” and “stop the boats”.
They also held up placards which read “protect our kids” and “protect our women”. Those staying in the hotel could be seen watching on from their windows above.
A counter-demonstration also took place these protestors displayed banners, which read “refugees welcome”.
Some of the asylum seekers attend services at Westhill Community Church, which also provides clothing and advice.
In 2023 the Home Office said then that 173 male refugees, aged between 18 to 40, were to be given lodgings there.
