Police take action against demonstrators in capital

Police enforcement action has been taken as a result of disruption activity during an ongoing demonstration in the city centre.

Officers have been in attendance at the Scottish Parliament and surrounding area after notification was received that a protest would take place between Sunday 16th and Thursday 20th June.

The first 24 hours of this event passed without incident and police have continued to engage with those involved.

At around 4pm on Monday 17th June, attempts were made by some protesters to stage road blocks in North Bridge and George IV Bridge. A quick response by police prevented any impact on traffic in these areas.

Six individuals are currently staging a road block on Lothian Road and are being dealt with by officers who are working to return the area to normality as soon as possible.

Chief Superintendent Matt Richards from Police Scotland said: “We have been facilitating peaceful protest at the Scottish Parliament since Sunday and have been working alongside our partners at the Parliament and the City of Edinburgh Council to mitigate against disruption to the general public.

“As soon as we became aware of the intention to impact upon the city’s road network we took swift action and are continuing to deal with the situation on Lothian Road. A small number of arrests have taken place.

“We would urge motorists to avoid the area where possible for the time being and take alternative routes.

“Thank you in advance for your patience and co-operation. “