Edinburgh police warn upcoming Scottish Parliament protesters to stay at home

Police in Edinburgh have issued a warning to protesters planning to attend an anti-lockdown demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament next week that they will be in breach of coronavirus legislation.

Officers told potential attendees to stay at home, and insisted that “wilful breaches” of lockdown rules will not be tolerated.

It is thought that the demonstration is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 11.

Under the current Level 4 restrictions in place across mainland Scotland, mass gatherings are not legal.

Police in Edinburgh have issued a warning to protesters planning to attend a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament next week that they will be in breach of coronavirus legislation. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Superintendent David Robertson, from Edinburgh Division, said: "We understand people want to make their voices heard, but they must do so lawfully and safely.

“The Scottish Government regulations are clear that public processions and static protests are prohibited under the current Level 4 restrictions.

"Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to use the 4Es approach, which is to engage with the public, explain the restrictions in place, encourage compliance and, as a last resort we will use enforcement, where required.

“The Chief Constable has been clear, where officers encounter wilful breaches, we will act decisively to enforce the law.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility and stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives.”

Last month, four men were arrested by Police Scotland after attending an anti-lockdown protest in Edinburgh.

A group of around 70 people marched from outside the Scottish Parliament to Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence, on Saturday, December 12, 2020.

Some of those marching held up signs promoting conspiracy theories about the virus.

Police Scotland say they took appropriate action against the “illegal march”.

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