Homeless Project Scotland and Community Members Denied Entry to @merchant city & trongate community council Meeting at Glasgow City Chambers
Glasgow, Scotland — This evening, Homeless Project Scotland supported members of the community—friends and guests who are homeless—in attending the Merchant City & Trongate Community Council’s Annual General Meeting, held at Glasgow City Chambers. Although this meeting was publicly advertised, providing a forum for individuals to share their perspectives on critical issues, those arriving were barred from entry.

Many of our guests intended to voice concerns over repeated efforts by some council members to disrupt our essential food and shelter services. Since January 2024, the community council has sought to halt our charity’s operations, appealing directly to council officials, officers, and elected representatives.
Tonight, our guests came prepared to share their experiences, seek support, and exercise their right to be part of the discussion. However, when they arrived, they were met by staff who closed the iron gate, stating that the meeting was a "private" booking—despite it being a publicly promoted event. Subsequently, the community council chose to cancel the meeting rather than proceed as scheduled, preventing the homeless and vulnerable members of our community from speaking out.
This decision silenced some of Glasgow’s most marginalised citizens, denying them a platform to share their perspectives and reinforcing a daily sense of exclusion. Homeless Project Scotland views this action as a serious infringement of the democratic rights of individuals to speak and participate in public life.
Colin McInnes, Founder & CEO of Homeless Project Scotland, remarked: “Tonight’s events highlight the need for a society where every voice, particularly those of our homeless and vulnerable members, is valued in decisions that affect their lives. An inclusive and compassionate community is a strong one.”
Homeless Project Scotland remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of Glasgow’s homeless population. We will continue our work to foster greater inclusivity in public spaces to ensure every person has the opportunity to be heard.
Let’s remember: a community’s true strength lies in its inclusivity and compassion.