02-06-2025
Nigel Farage issues Celtic Scottish Cup jibe as heckled Reform UK leader sucks up to Aberdeen crowd
The Reform UK leader was in the North-East on Monday and tried to win over some support by referencing the Don Hampden heroics last month
Aberdeen fans up and down the land have just about put an end to their Scottish Cup victory celebrations after downing Celtic at Hampden on penalties nine days ago.
But that didn't stop controversial politician Nigel Farage from paying his own tribute to the Dons during his visit to the North-East on Monday.
The Reform UK leader was in Scotland to try and drum up votes ahead of the by-elections in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse and was speaking at The Silver Darling down by Aberdeen harbour.
The outspoken 61-year-old was heckled and jeered by around 20 local protesters when he arrived at the popular seafood restaurant, with banners that read "Farage is not welcome in Scotland" visible outside the building.
But the former UKIP chief then tried to win over some support by making reference to the Reds' triumph at Hampden last weekend - their first Scottish Cup victory since 1990.
To kick-off his address, he said: "Good morning everybody, it's good to be here in Aberdeen.
"And congratulations on beating Celtic last week, no doubt it's been a week of some celebration."
As members of the crowd began to applaud, Farage then added: "Clearly there are some Aberdeen fans in the audience."
However, the Kent-born MP has remained a divisive figure in the Granite City ever since a visit to the area back in 2013.
Farage had to cancel a planned luncheon in the city's Marriot Hotel over fears that he would be met with a protest by anti-fascist campaigners.
It wasn't until April 2023 that the Englishman made the long trip north of the border again, when he hosted a live GB News event at a golf club near Aberdeen's Pittodrie stadium.
During his press-conference on Monday, Farage also confirmed that local councillor Duncan Massey had joined Reform after defecting from the Conservative Party.
Farage also clashed with reporters after alleging that a number of the journalists who were present were personally involved with the protests outside the Silver Darling.
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