Rival marches pass off without incident

Rival marches by a far-right group and anti-fascists have passed off without major incident.

The Scottish Defence League (SDL) and Unite Against Fascism held separate marches towards St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh where they also held their own rallies.

Lothian and Borders Police said around 80 people were at the SDL event while around 300 attended the counter-protest.

The force said it organised an extensive police operation for the events and that no one was arrested.

Luke Henderson, of Unite Against Fascism, said: “It was fantastic: the streets of Edinburgh belonged to the anti-racists today.

“We really represented the diversity that makes Edinburgh the multicultural and vibrant city that it is today.”

Lothian and Borders Police were joined by officers from British Transport Police and the Strathclyde, Fife and Tayside forces.

Superintendent David Carradice, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Today’s police operation centred around minimising the risk of disorder and maintaining public safety, and I am pleased that both marches and rallies passed off without major incident.

“At this time I would like to thank those police forces who provided support to the operation, as well as City of Edinburgh Council and our other key partners who provided assistance, both in the planning stages and today.

“Lastly I would also like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation, particularly with regard to the temporary traffic restrictions that were put in place as a result of today’s activity.”