DOZENS of activists occupying an empty building in Glasgow launched a crowdfund today to help defend them from eviction following a threat of a court order by the city council.

Members of the Baile Hoose collective, currently staying at the former Hamish Allan Centre in the city, have appealed for financial and political support to defend them against potential eviction.

The collective, who initially took control of the building to house hundreds of activists during Cop26, say it has been necessary for the occupation to continue in order to draw attention to the housing crisis. 

The group say it is irresponsible of Glasgow City Council to leave multiple buildings vacant, unused and decaying — especially during a homelessness and refugee housing epidemic.

Glasgow City Council is seeking repossession of the building, with a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday and a request for the court to remove the 21-day notice period before eviction. 

The Baile Hoose group have said the three days’ notice given is not enough time to put legal representation in place, with a fundraiser launched today. 

Betty, a spokeswoman for the occupation, said: “The police have harassed and raided us but we have remained resilient, and our presence in this building has been an asset to the community. 

“We demand Glasgow City Council drops this attempt to sidestep their duty of care and stop obstructing community use of public buildings.”

A council spokeswoman said they were concerned about the continued use of the building, which they say is not safe for habitation owing to fire safety and asbestos concerns. 

She added that former residents were moved to more appropriate Housing First properties, which offers more stable homes to the homeless.