Our response to the growth of anti-migrant sentiment

At The Robertson Trust, we believe in a fair and compassionate Scotland where everyone is valued and able to flourish. Reflecting our vision, we stand in solidarity with those affected by rising anti-migrant sentiment and are committed to supporting the resilience and community cohesion our grant holders are striving for.

At this point in the Scottish election year, we recognise that immigration has become a divisive issue in politics and media. We are alarmed at the increase in hostility in the public discourse around migration, which has resulted in increased intimidation, violent protests on our streets and a rise in race hate crimes experienced by migrant groups and minoritised communities across the country.

For those who have fled conflict, persecution or exploitation, including survivors of modern slavery and trafficking, this compounds harm. This is especially true for people living in destitution which in many ways has been structurally designed into the system for those seeking asylum.

We are committed to supporting our grantholders and partners who work every day to strengthen the bonds of cohesion that bring communities together in circumstances that are already tough.

Our commitment must go beyond words of reassurance. We have awarded a total of £255K in unrestricted uplifts to 75 Small and Wee Grant organisations working within migrant and racial justice who are most impacted. We prioritised Small and Wee grantholders in recognition that these organisations often have fewer reserves and less flexibility to invest in resilience-building activity. The money can be put to any use that our partners believe will make a difference. 

We have heard directly from our grantholders who are under severe pressure, some facing direct threats, others forced into silence. Most are working in communities already experiencing deep poverty and trauma. We recognise the courage and resilience of those facing discrimination, exclusion and fear – and the strains on staff and volunteers: 

“While we recognise there are immense pressures on funding for the delivery of services, it is also important to recognise safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers, and service users, as well as the creation or expansion of new or existing projects. The current climate means that without this focus, the very people driving change and delivering frontline support risk burnout, re-traumatisation, and disengagement.” Ghzala Khan, CEO of WSREC and Chair of Pachedu. 

A recent addition to our Funder Plus support is our new Supporting Resilience Fund, developed from learning from our Plus Fund pilot in 2025. This is a new funding approach for us, providing our Small grantholders with the freedom to invest in organisational resilience and wellbeing that is right for them. 

Our funding for Community Spaces can help to build bridges. Local places for contact and connection help to overcome poverty-related trauma and narratives that divide us. We are checking in with partners across our networks, seeking ways in which we can continue to support further. 

We are committed to improving our own practices; to do so we are drawing on peer and specialist support from the racial justice funders community of practice convened by Ten Year's Time. are proud to be part of the Independent Human Rights Fund for Scotland and are preparing to open a new Advancing Racial Justice Fund for Scotland in 2026. This will act on the long-term changes needed to dismantle the systemic racism that contributes to locking people into poverty and related trauma. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Participation and Rights (EDPR) will be strengthened by embedding a new value of Equity across the Trust’s work. 

We will continue to use our influence to amplify the voices of those we serve. We also acknowledge the importance of engaging constructively with those who hold different views and we are committed to exploring forms of dialogue that build understanding and respect. 

While immigration policy is not devolved to Holyrood, how Scottish decision-makers and communities create safety and support for migrants and those seeking asylum is a matter for all of us. By working together, we can ensure that all of us are safe and able to thrive:

“Cohesion does not happen automatically. It requires deliberate investment, transparent policies, and collaboration between local authorities, the Scottish Government, and community organisations. Without action, misinformation will thrive, divisions will deepen, and vulnerable groups will be scapegoated.” Tesfu Gessesse, The Welcoming.  

We expect leaders in all sectors to stand against division in our community - and to commit to actions which overcome the harms of poverty, trauma and racism. We must continue to strengthen our efforts to connect, listen and act to build stronger ties across our communities as part of a caring and compassionate nation, reflecting our values and responsibilities as an independent funder.