Edinburgh readers' fury over anti-lockdown protest outside Scottish Parliament

Anti-lockdown protesters gathered outside Scottish Parliament yesterday.

The members of Scotland Against Lockdown were demonstrating against coronavirus restrictions, which have ramped up in the New Year with a new lockdown.

But their actions have been condemned by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as “deeply irresponsible” and “putting people’s lives at risk”.

And, taking to the Edinburgh Evening News Facebook page, many of readers had stronger words still for the anti-lockdown brigade.

"Bunch of nuggets!” wrote Aaron Linden, “Next time they want to protest can I suggest they do it in a Covid hospital ward and see if that changes their views!”

And Susan McAuley wrote: “Shouting about their rights! What about mine having mindless people subjecting me to the risk of Covid! Away hame and put yer bacofoil hat on!”

Agreeing with this sentiment was Libera Alongi. She said: “They just don’t get it, do they? The human right just now is this keep your family safe, stay home, wear a mask and save a life.

"Every person dying from Covid didn’t have to die, someone gave them the virus, and you’re all standing there looking like dafties, go home to family and keep each other safe.”

Police outside the Scottish Parliament after anti-Covid protestors were moved on.

Also adding his opinion to the fray, Michael Higgins said:"Absolute roasters. Protesting something that is put in place to keep them safe. No one’s human rights supersede this.”

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Some of our readers, including Kelly Cook, were concerned about the event being an “absolute waste of police time”.

And Julie-anne De Farias praised officers who dealt with the incident. She said: “Hats off to the police staying so calm and polite, it must be really frustrating.”

The overwhelming view was that nobody likes lockdown, but we have to grin and bear it.

"It’s happening to try and stop the spread of Covid,” wrote Diane Pearson, while Janice Stienlet said those who do not wish to wear a mask should respect others.

About the protesters, Di Scott Murray said: “I hope they don’t catch Covid as it’s a terrible and crippling virus.”

Finally, summing up the view of the majority of our readers, was Margaret Milne. She wrote: “There is absolutely nobody who is happy with restrictions, the lack of personal contact with loved ones, the whole scenario in fact. But this pandemic is definitely real.

"And if these ‘protesters’ would like to go and see how real it is, just speak to some of the relatives who have lost someone from this hellish virus. Or better still, go speak to the clinical staff who are virtually worn out coping with the extent of this. You are not doing them any favours. Hope you never need them.”

What do you think?

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