Man claims he was sworn at and followed after photographing travellers in Edinburgh park

An Edinburgh man claims he was sworn at "several times" after photographing a traveller camp in a city park.

The man, who does not want to be named, says he was exercising at Sighthill Park on Wednesday morning when he snapped some caravans there - then a man in his 30s drove up in a car, got out and started demanding that he delete the picture.

The eye-witness said the man, who he says spoke with an Irish accent, claimed to be a park liaison officer and accused him of being a "paedophile" and taking photographs of his daughter.

The eye-witness said: "He said that often, like a mantra. He swore at me several times. I told him where to go."

A picture of the camp at Sighthill Park, Edinburgh. Pic: contributed

The witness says the man then followed him and about half a dozen dog walkers out of the park after driving across to do so, adding: "He stopped and continued with his accusations in front of the dog walkers. It was a pretty intimidating experience. This time there were other people in the car. He claimed to have a permit to be in the park."

The eye-witness said the vehicles in Sighthill Park have been there for at least two days and that another dog walker told him a group of people arrive each year, adding: "Basically they are treating part of Sighthill Park as their own private land."

It is understood Edinburgh City Council is aware of the camp and they expect it to be a temporary situation. Council officers have met with the owners and the police are also aware.

The local authority is continuing to monitor the situation.

Police said they have not received any complaints about activity at the site.