Edinburgh police called as dozens of youths gather on the Meadows despite coronavirus rules

Police in Edinburgh were called this afternoon amid “multiple reports” of a large group of young people gathered on the Meadows.

It is understood that officers dispersed the crowd at around 4:30pm, but that no arrests were made.

A spokesperson for the force said it “maintained a presence” in the area even after the group had left.

Video footage posted on social media earlier this evening showed dozens of youths stood by the playground at the eastern end of the popular city parkland.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a number of reports about a group of people gathered in the George Square and Meadows area of Edinburgh shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday, 28 November.

"Officers have attended and have maintained a presence in the area.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, only using enforcement as a last resort."

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It is understood that officers dispersed the crowd at around 4:30pm, but that no arrests were made.

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