The Broadcroft Hotel in Kirkintilloch has worked hard over two decades to establish itself as a first-class dining and events venue. To gain the trust and loyalty of its own community, a small hotel like this must do the hard yards and maintain a delicate balance between affordable prices, minimal staff turnover and top-quality food.

Earlier this month though, its name began to appear in some local chat forums and Facebook pages … and not in a good way. I was shown screen grabs of some messaging on these platforms. It was clear that a small group of troublemakers were intent on making a name for themselves.

“So is it true that broadcroft hotel kirkintilloch don’t have any rooms available becaue illegals occupied them???”

This was followed by “AM COMING DOON TAE EVICT THEM ALL … SHOPS DON’T GE THEM CREDIT.”

An online mob of semi-literate vigilantes was assembling. “A wee heads-up. The Broadcroft hotel has took one of the government contracts and is full of Somalian men so just have eyes on your kids. No women though or kids. Boycott the s***hole.”

Another chap posted: “This f****** hole has a contract to house illegals.”

The Broadcroft does not have any government contracts to house asylum seekers. And so what if it did? There are large pockets of this area of East Dunbartonshire populated mainly by descendants of the Irish immigrants who came here in the 19th century to work in the coalmines and as agricultural labourers. Many of them faced down racist attitudes similar to those being directed at refugees and asylum seekers.

Perhaps we’ve all been complacent in previously viewing this race poison as a problem that mainly exists in........

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