Hate Crime Dossier Hits Reform Councillor for 'Born and Bred' Remark

One Day After the Bombshell Complaint –A political storm escalated yesterday as it was confirmed that Police Scotland is actively investigating Reform UK councillor Claire Mackie-Brown following a formal complaint over a remark she made during a television interview. The controversy centers on her statement that she was speaking as someone "born and bred here" during a discussion about local unrest surrounding asylum hotel protests.

The revelation that the complaint—detailed in a reported 22-page dossier—alleges hate crimes and breaches of the councillor's code of conduct has sent shockwaves through Scottish local politics and ignited a fierce debate on freedom of expression.

The Comment That Triggered an Investigation

Councillor Mackie-Brown, who represents a Falkirk ward, made the disputed comment last week in an interview with STV about ongoing protests near asylum accommodation.

"There is a true unrest and it is scary," she told the broadcaster. "It’s scary as a local resident, somebody who was born and bred here."

Following the remark, she was seen on camera briefly turning away and muttering, "I shouldn’t have said that," adding, "that just came out, it came out." This apparent immediate regret has not been enough to stave off a formal police inquiry.

Councillor Slams 'Malicious' Complaint-The complaint, which was reportedly submitted by a member of the public and lodged with both Police Scotland and the Ethical Standards Commissioner for Scotland, demands an investigation into alleged hate crimes and the removal of the councillor from office.

In a fierce response posted on social media, Councillor Mackie-Brown condemned the action as a "malicious complaint."

"Today I received a malicious complaint from an anonymous person sent to multiple organisations including the police demanding I am investigated for hate crimes due to me stating in the recent media interview I am a born and bred Falkirk lassie," she wrote.

She insisted the detailed complaint was a "calculated effort to destroy my credibility and silence me from highlighting the many issues affecting our town centre." The councillor categorically denied any hate crime, racism, or association with far-right or extremist groups, asserting that she only represents the people of Falkirk.

"I won’t be stopped or silenced. Every day I do my absolute best for my constituents and communities and will continue to do so," she added, pointing out that similar phrases like "born and bred" have been used by politicians from other major parties, including Labour and the SNP.

Police Confirm Ongoing Inquiries-When approached for an updated comment yesterday, a Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed the ongoing process: "We have received a complaint and inquiries are ongoing." This statement confirms the matter is currently under active police review, adding significant weight to the story as a formal investigation into a sitting councillor.

Free Speech Union Condemns Police Involvement-The intervention of the police has drawn swift and forceful condemnation from free speech advocates. The Free Speech Union (FSU), of which Ms. Mackie-Brown is a member, immediately voiced its opposition and offered legal support.

Lord Young of Acton, founder and director of the FSU, expressed his hope that Police Scotland would exercise restraint.

"I hope that even Police Scotland will hesitate before arresting an elected politician for using the phrase ‘born and bred’," he told The Telegraph yesterday. He confirmed the FSU is "ready to swing into action" with potential legal action if the police pursue the complaint, framing the case as a critical test of freedom of expression for elected representatives in Scotland.

The case has rapidly evolved into a national talking point, pitting the right of a politician to speak for her constituents against growing scrutiny over language deemed potentially inflammatory in the context of sensitive public debates. The outcome of the police and Ethical Standards inquiries is now awaited, and political observers expect the story to dominate headlines for days to come.