Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC) has refused further donations from Scottish Citizens Army, a group campaigning for tougher immigration controls, after initially accepting a delivery of women's hygiene kits from the organisation. The charity said it could not continue the relationship because of concerns over messaging linked to the group's fundraising campaign, prompting Scottish Citizens Army to say it was "disgusted" by the decision.
Scottish Citizens Army describes itself as focused on "defending Scotland's women, kids & sovereignty" and says it is a community group concerned with safeguarding, housing pressures and the strain on public services, rejecting any suggestion that it holds far-right views. On social media platform X, the group said staff at the charity had accepted the hygiene kit donation before reversing course hours later, which it claimed was based solely on its stance on immigration and community safety.
Why did the charity reject the donation?
GCRC said its priority is supporting women and girls dealing with the trauma of rape and sexual violence, and it did not want its name associated with political controversy. It explained that to preserve trust among survivors, it must carefully vet any fundraising activity, partnership or public commentary linked to its brand.
To maintain the trust of everyone who turns to us, we exercise careful judgement about the fundraising activities, partnerships and public discourse associated with our name.
The charity said it had been alerted to language used in connection with the fundraiser, including references tying sexual violence to a person's immigration status.
Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis does not hold or advocate a position on immigration policy.
Our sole concern is ensuring that every survivor of sexual violence can access support, irrespective of their nationality, background or immigration status.
According to a report by the Telegraph, the rejection was communicated by email and cited concerns about "the political nature and public positions" of the group, with the charity stating it would not accept fundraising support from any organisation campaigning on immigration or other political issues. The donation in question was reported to be worth £380, according to the same report.
What has the group said in response?
Scottish Citizens Army pushed back strongly against the decision, insisting it is not a political party and does not align itself with any political movement.
We have never said we are against immigration.
We support a fair and lawful immigration system. Our concerns are about high levels of migration and the pressure this places on housing, services and community safety.
Separately, its Facebook page describes the organisation as a "proud supporter of strong immigration laws, community safety, and putting local people first," according to the Telegraph's reporting. Following the charity's decision, the group announced it would refund all money already contributed to its appeal. According to The National, a fundraiser run under the name Scottish Citizens Army–Women appeared to have collected no donations at all before it was closed down, and the rejection email itself was reportedly dated 14 August 2026.
What is the background to this dispute?
Online activity linking to Scottish Citizens Army has previously been associated with anti-immigration demonstrations in Glasgow earlier in the summer, which followed unrest in the city connected to reported sexual assaults, according to the Glasgow Times.
GCRC itself has been through organisational upheaval in recent years. In 2024, the charity separated from its parent body amid a dispute over gender policy and the provision of single-sex services, according to a national broadcaster's report at the time.
What happens next?
GCRC has not set out a further formal review process but has confirmed it will not accept additional fundraising support from Scottish Citizens Army going forward, according to The National. Scottish Citizens Army has said it intends to return any funds raised through its now-closed campaign to donors.
Key Facts
- Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis rejected a donation reported to be worth £380 from Scottish Citizens Army.
- The rejection email, dated 14 August 2026, cited concerns over the group's "political nature and public positions."
- Scottish Citizens Army says it will refund contributions made to its fundraiser, which reportedly raised £0 before closing.
- GCRC previously split from its parent charity in 2024 over a dispute involving gender policy and single-sex services.
