Five people arrested during large scale anti-lockdown protest in Edinburgh on Saturday

Around 200 protesters took part in the large march through the Meadows park in the capital’s city centre.

Police arrested five people during a large anti-lockdown protest in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Dozens of police were present and the arrests were made as tempers frayed near the end of the protest at around 1.30pm.

One protester dressed in a kilt was seen being taken away by police officers during the event organised by Covid denier group ‘Stand Up Edinburgh’.

Superintendent David Robertson of Police Scotland said: “Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, encourage compliance and use enforcement as a last resort.

Police attended and arrested five people at an anti-lockdown protest in Edinburgh city centre.

“We were made aware of a gathering at The Meadows in Edinburgh around 1pm on Saturday, 20 March.

“Officers engaged with the group to encourage them to comply with legislation.

“However, five people were arrested. No fixed penalty notices were issued.

“We continue to ask everyone to do the right thing to stop the spread of the virus.”

Around 200 protesters took part in the march through the Meadows in Edinburgh.

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