A 42-year-old man has been charged in connection with the unauthorised use of a drone over the centre of Edinburgh, prompting Police Scotland to remind the public of their responsibilities when piloting similar devices.
Local officers were alerted at around 10:30am on Wednesday, October 14, after the remote controlled device was seen flying over Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.
Officers quickly traced and charged the man under Sections 60 and 61 of The Air Navigation Order (2009) and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
There is existing legislation governing the authorised use of unmanned aircraft systems within UK airspace.
Local Officers are now keen to highlight this legislation and the potential risks posed by drones if they are flown in and around crowded or built-up areas
Chief Inspector Bob Paris of Police Scotland said: “Police in Edinburgh were called at around 10.30am on Wednesday following a report of a drone flying over Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.
“The operator of the drone has been traced and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
“The use of drones in public spaces is becoming more popular for people filming and photographing scenery or places of interest. However, I would advise that operators familiarise themselves with all the appropriate legislation so as to ensure they adhere to existing aviation laws and regulations, and be aware of the areas in our community where drone activity may pose a particular sensitivity.”
For more information on this legislation visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website at www.caa.co.uk
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
