In Highland, the council said the decision to cancel the festive performance was driven by negative online feedback and a priority to protect pupil and staff wellbeing, with classes switching to other festive learning activities.

Classes will engage in alternative festive learning opportunities within the school as part of the shift away from a show.

A spokesperson stressed the change is about safeguarding wellbeing and that the school will continue with festive learning activities rather than staging a performance.

The Edgy Productions script, written during the Syrian civil war in 2016, aimed to promote tolerance and peace and included a scene depicting Syrian refugees’ hardships at the Turkish border; the producer condemned misinterpretation and defended the anti-indoctrination intent.

Andrew Oxspring of Edgy Productions condemned racist abuse, reaffirmed the show’s themes of tolerance, friendship, and peace, and noted the refugee scene reflected original context from 2016 without aiming to address current migration debates.

The cancellation comes amid broader tensions in Inverness surrounding the UK Government’s plan to house around 300 male asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks.

The timing aligns with debates over migration policy as Cameron Barracks is designated as a dispersal centre for about 300 asylum seekers, fueling local discussion.

The wider context includes intensified migration-related tensions in Inverness, with concerns over refugee housing experiences.

Similar incidents in Renfrew and Glasgow have fed controversy over migrant-related programs and far-right demonstrations near schools, prompting reassurances from councils about safeguarding and learning continuity.

Police Scotland confirmed online threats and abusive communications and said inquiries are ongoing into the matter.

Protests at Dalmarnock Primary School in Glasgow claimed English classes brought strangers onto school grounds; the council said parent-focused family learning is safe and safeguarded.

The Inverness show’s cancellation followed a surge of racist and abusive messages tied to its sympathetic portrayal of Syrian refugees.

The planned production, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, was to include a scene about refugee children affected by the Syrian conflict, and its cancellation followed negative social media feedback and concerns for wellbeing.

Authorities say the decision is an operational matter under devolved school management, with the council noting the need to protect wellbeing while the matter remains under police inquiry.

Cauldeen Primary School in Inverness canceled its planned Christmas show Gimme, Gimme, Gimme after racist and abusive online messages targeting staff and the school.

The canceled production was Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and featured a refugee-theme scene related to the Syrian conflict.