Black Lives Matter: Planned Edinburgh protest over George Floyd’s death moves location

Campaigners want Scotland to show its support for action against racism.

Edinburgh’s Black Lives Matter protest is set to change location in a bid to help attendees adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Days of angry demonstrations and riots have gripped cities across the United States since the death in police custody of George Floyd.

Video footage showing a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the 46-year-old’s neck before he died have sparked widespread calls for social, political, and judicial reforms in America.

Edinburgh’s Black Lives Matter protest is set to change location in a bid to help attendees adhere to social distancing guidelines. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Protests in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement have sprung up across the world, with one demonstration set to go ahead in Edinburgh this Sunday (June 7).

Originally planned to take place in Princes Street Gardens, organisers have now asked those interested in attending to join them in Holyrood Park at 1pm instead.

In a post on social media, organisers told followers: “We have updated our meeting spot to Holyrood Park.

“We have made this decision as we believe the park will give us more space as it looks like there will be an incredible turn out!

“Due to the current pandemic we want to outline the health and safety measures we are putting in place to try and make sure everyone is being as safe as possible.

“If you are attending the rally. You MUST wear a mask and gloves.

“There will be some stewards around that if you have not been able to get your hands on some PPE, we can provide some however we must stress that we will not be able to provide some for everyone.”

It comes as the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed concerns over plans for protests in Scotland this weekend, calling mass gatherings “a threat to life” amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers will also set out a two-metre distancing guideline for people to follow. Those unable to join in person will be able to attend via a live stream.

“We want to make sure everyone is safe and can take part, however remember if you are coming along, you will need to self isolate for 14 days afterwards.

“Please take this into consideration if you are coming,” the post concluded.

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