On Saturday morning, 23rd of April 2022, a small group of people gathered together on the Kirk Green, St Magnus Cathedral, to protest against the illegal transportation of people to Rwanda.

The Tory UK Government’s trade deal with Rwanda has been condemned internationally and its legality is being challenged. “there is no illegal way to arrive in a country to seek asylum.” : The UK/Rwanda Deal

The Orkney protest follows a much larger one which took place in February where hundreds of islanders came out in support of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. That demonstration was attended by councillors, council officials, elected politicians, and the public. The organisers of Saturday’s demonstration had invited all political parties, all candidates standing in the forthcoming local elections and had hoped that it would be well supported.

The demonstration was addressed by Alistair Carmichael MP and received a letter of support from Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone.

The Orkney News livestreamed some of the event to the Facebook page and there is a short film of the protest which you can view via the YouTube Channel.

Fiona Grahame