Youth climate activists to protest outside Nicola Sturgeon briefing

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Andrew Milligan/AFP via Getty Images.

Environmental activists say their demonstration at St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh will be socially distanced with all participants at least two metres apart.

The group organised a series of climate change strikes and demonstrations last year, including one in September which drew thousands to cities across Scotland.

During lockdown, campaigners say they have been “digitally striking” and spreading their message online.

Today’s protest is due to take place between noon and 2pm outside the Scottish Government offices.

One of those who is due to take part, 14-year-old Kay MacIver, said: “We cannot return to normal as we exit lockdown, our normal was already a crisis.

“As we plan our recovery from coronavirus, we have a chance to rebuild a fairer society, to enact the climate policies we urgently need to keep global warming below 1.5C and we’re protesting today to bring this message to Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government.”

Dylan Hamilton, 15, added: “Recently we found out that Scotland missed its 2018 emissions targets, as well as missing them in 2017.

“Ambitious targets are only important if we achieve them, and we have failed to do so.

“Being one of the most ambitious countries isn’t enough, there is no use in being the fastest snail.”

The group said it had decided to return to the streets as the Covid-19 restrictions were being lifted, calling for a “green and just recovery 
from the coronavirus pandemic”.