Police break up 'selfish and irresponsible' 300-person rave in Midlothian

The event broke social distancing rules.
Police were called to the party.Police were called to the party.
Police were called to the party.

Police have launched an investigation after breaking up a 300-person rave in a mansion house in Midlothian.

Officers were called to reports of a house party at Kirkhill House in Midlothian at around 12.20am on Sunday August 30.

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They discovered more than 300 people attending a paid-for event in the property.

The partygoers were dispersed by police, and a 29-year-old man was given a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Police are now investigating potential culpable and reckless conduct charges and licensing breaches.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said “Those attending this organised event showed a blatant disregard for the regulations in place to help save lives and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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“Further investigations are being carried out with a view to what other charges may be brought, including culpable and reckless conduct.

“Anyone attempting to hold such an event, or any party in clear breach of the law, should be aware they will be met with a robust response from Police Scotland.

“I cannot stress enough the serious risk to public health an event of this size poses not only to those present and anyone they come into contact with, but also the wider community and all those from the emergency services who attended.”

Councillor Stephen Curran, Chair of Midlothian Police, Fire and Rescue Board, said: “Those 300 or so people didn’t just put themselves at risk of contracting coronavirus, they put residents across Midlothian and beyond at risk.

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“To call them selfish and irresponsible is an understatement. We realise it can be challenging following the guidance but if the majority of us can do it then so can they.

“We are working hard to avoid lockdowns like those happening in and around Glasgow but we need everyone to help keep Midlothian safe. So, please follow the guidance. It will save lives.”

Alison McCallum, Director of Public Health at NHS Lothian said: “We must continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus which is why it is critical we don't socialise in the same way we did in pre-Covid times.

"That means we must meet with no more than 8 people from a maximum of 3 households at a time indoors and no more than 15 people from a maximum of 5 households at a time outdoors. This is also why nightclubs are currently closed and larger gatherings such as house parties are not permitted.”

An earlier version of this story incorrectly called the property in question Kirkhill Mansion. We apologise for the error