Far-right group bids to stage march

THE Scottish Defence League has submitted a formal application to Edinburgh City Council for permission to march through the city on the day before the anniversary of the 9/11 bombings.

Members of the far-right group aim to march from Regent Terrace to Wellington Place on September 10, passing the US consulate.

Unite Against Facism Edinburgh yesterday told the Evening News of its intention to combat the march, adding that it would aim to mount a rival protest. A police presence of 700 officers kept the two groups apart during a similar march in February last year.

The city council may reject plans for the event, or amend them, and the decision is likely to go to a committee on August 19.

A council spokesman said: "The (application] will be considered in due course, working with the police and other organisations as appropriate.

"Both the police and council recognise the rights, as well as the responsibilities, of organisations that want have a peaceful and lawful demonstration."