Police issue warning ahead of weekend protests in Edinburgh and Aberdeen

Police Scotland has issued a warning ahead of planned protests across the country.

Five protests are due to take place across Edinburgh and Aberdeen over the weekend.

People will gather at 2pm in Edinburgh on Saturday to protest the ban on Palestine Action.

A “No to the Far-Right” protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism Edinburgh, will take place at Scottish Parliament on Saturday at 11am.

A Force For Good, in association with WeSayItPodcast, will be holding the second Enough is Enough rally also outside the Scottish Parliament at 12pm on Saturday.

They say there are now record-breaking immigration figures that are unsustainable, and “national citizens must be put first”.

A march for Scottish independence is also scheduled for 12.30pm on Saturday in Edinburgh. Protestors will march through Johnstone Terrace, Lawn Market, High Street, Canon Gate, and Horse Wynd to the Scottish Parliament.

Immigration and anti-immigration protests are also planned at Marischal College in Aberdeen on Saturday.

Ahead of the action, Police Scotland said it was “proud” of its approach to protests and outlined what would be classed as unlawful behaviour.

A statement from the force said: “Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest.

“We know there are strong feelings towards the situation in Palestine, and people continue to express their views about that through protest and demonstrations without breaking counter terrorism laws.

“The key difference is showing support for Palestine Action Group as it is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of a proscribed organisation or to invite or express support for them.”

That support includes “wearing clothing or carrying any item in public in such a way as to arouse suspicion that they are a member of, or a supporter of, a proscribed organisation”.

They said every situation is unique and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.