A DUMFRIES charity has broken their silence as talks of protests and counter protests consume the town.
Refugee charity ‘The Depot’, formerly known as ‘Massive Outpouring Of Love’ (MOOL), faced a barrage of criticism online this week for their work supporting refugees living within the town.
Speaking to the Dumfries Courier about comments made on their social media, chair of The Depot Shirley Ferrier yesterday said: “We have seen and are fully aware of the negative rhetoric about the lads at the Mercure Hotel. We’ve recently had some people stand outside the depot in silent protest.
“It’s pretty sad there’s a minority of people within the town that feel so negatively about those seeking asylum.
“These lads have come here with nothing and someone needs to support them whilst they’re here. They’re not allowed to work, they don’t receive any benefits, they are given a very small allowance but it doesn’t go far at all. Although they are staying in a hotel, they are not living the hotel life.”
Some of the most recent criticism has come on the back of an incident in Dock Park last week when a man, believed to be a resident of the Mercure, was spotted taking videos and photos of children in the play area.
However Police Scotland confirmed yesterday that there was ‘no criminality’ relating to the incident and a force spokesperson said: “Around 9 am on Friday, 11 April, 2025, officers received a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Dock Park area of Dumfries.
“Extensive enquiries were carried out and no criminality was established. Suitable advice was given.”
As talks of pro-refugee and anti-illegal immigration protests continue to swirl about Dumfries, Shirley added: “They are very aware about what has been and is continued to be said about them and whilst some of them have been given leave to remain, they don’t feel welcome and leave the area.
“We know they’re not all angels but it’s the same with any group of people, we don’t paint them all with the same brush if a minority of them get into trouble, and we [The Depot] don’t get in the way of the judicial process.
“We want these lads to integrate into the community and we welcome people who are willing to help with that and learn more about them and how they came to be here because they are people at the end of the day, and we’re doing what we can to support them while they are here.”
