Euan McGrory: Is it time to bring down the big anti-terror barriers?

IT is always a bit uncomfortable thinking about the threat of terrorism in Edinburgh.

New anti-terror barriers being tested for use in Edinburgh

The terrible events in London, Manchester, Berlin, Nice, and elsewhere, have shown all too clearly in recent years the dangers that we face. We all understand that plans have to be made and precautions taken, especially in a city with the huge global profile of Edinburgh. To do otherwise, would be wreckless.

No one likes the big concrete blocks and imposing metal barricades that have been part of the city centre landscape at recent festival times. They are ugly, make the pavements harder to walk around and can give the impression of a city under seige, creating an unwelcome feeling for residents and visitors. Yet, they are accepted, quite rightly, as a necessary inconvenience in an uncertain world.

Perhaps a middle ground exists.

The city authorities has been at the forefront of developing crowd protection plans in the UK, with the aim of minimising the risks and, crucially, offering public reassurance, while allowing life to carry on as normally as possible.

The idea of more discreet, but still visible, barriers, is greatly appealing. We hope they pass their tests.