Blog: Children seeking sanctuary in Scotland must be protected

Polarising debate around asylum seekers risks the safety of children seeking shelter in Scotland after fleeing famine and war, according to charity leaders.

SallyAnn Kelly OBE, chief executive of Aberlour Children’s Charity, called for calm after weeks of escalating street protests at hotels housing asylum seekers in Scotland and across the UK.

She said:

More people are being displaced around the world because of issues, from famine to war, without safe or legal routes to find shelter in the UK.

“The consequences of that displacement demand a calm and humane debate not one full of heat and anger.

Aberlour, in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council, is supporting more than 1000 unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Scotland after conflict or being trafficked into Scotland.

Kelly said young people, often fleeing war and famine in their home countries, are alone, vulnerable and demand the greatest protection after arriving in the UK.

Kelly said:

These children have come to Scotland, unaccompanied by an adult, looking for safety and often after enduring unimaginable journeys.

“The stress and uncertainty has often already taken a toll on their physical and mental health and the kind of focus currently on adult asylum seekers could be catastrophic for vulnerable young people. 

“We see the impact of the tone of the current public debate on them.  Sadly, here in Scotland, they still have to ask ‘am I safe?’.

“These young people must be protected and supported until their applications are decided and we must ensure their voices are heard, especially during such fraught times.

The Scottish Government funds Guardianship Scotland, a support service delivered by Aberlour and the Scottish Refugee Council, ensuring every unaccompanied child is given a guardian to ensure their voice is properly heard in the asylum process.

This article was written for The Sunday Post and published on Sunday 31st August 2025.