Paint thrown over Scottish Parliament in protest ahead of FMQs

Two people have been arrested after red paint was been thrown on the Scottish Parliament building ahead of FMQs.

Climate protesters threw paint over the Scottish Parliament with This is Rigged claiming responsibility.

This is Rigged have continually disrupted FMQs this year, gaining access to the public gallery and shouting over MSPs.

In response, the Scottish Parliament brought in additional security processes and a new ticketing system to avoid further interruptions.

This week, there was no immediate disruption to FMQs inside the Chamber – however activists said they would be changing tactics and “escalating” their methods.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Two woman, aged 26 and 23, have been arrested and charged in connection with vandalism and a breach of the peace after paint was thrown at the Scottish Parliament building during a protest on Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, this afternoon.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and they are due to appear in court at a later date.

“The other protesters have now dispersed and officers have left the scene.”

Protestors paint the Scottish Parliament (Image: This Is Rigged)

In a statement stating that they would be changing their tactics, This Is Rigged said: “Today, two people painted the front of the Scottish Parliament to call attention to our government’s criminal inaction on the climate crisis.

“We tried asking – we challenged our politicians directly, in the seat of power, but they are unwilling to hear us.

“We are escalating – we will take it to the streets, to the infrastructure, to the media.

“This summer, we will shut down Scotland’s oil industry until our demands are met.”