Tag: protests

Edinburgh climate justice campaigners join global action to demand an end to fossil fuels

‘FAST, FAIR & FOREVER’

Climate justice campaigners across Scotland have today marked the start of a ‘Global Week of Action for Climate Finance and a Fossil Free Future’, by staging demonstrations in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. The campaigners are calling on local councillors and politicians to end fossil fuels in a way that is ‘Fast, Fair & Forever’.

In Edinburgh, campaigners from groups including Global Justice Now Scotland and Extinction Rebellion held a banner demonstration and stall to call on the UK and Scottish Governments to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and to say no to new fossil fuel projects such as the proposed new gas power station in Peterhead.

Jane Herbstritt from Global Justice Now said: “‘We urgently need a global plan for a fast and fair phase out of oil, gas and coal production. And this plan needs to be decided on and led by governments – not the fossil fuel industry.

“That’s why today we are in Edinburgh today calling on First Minister John Swinney to endorse the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

“The global campaign for this ground-breaking treaty proposal is supported by some of the most climate vulnerable countries including Vanuatu in the Pacific Islands, Antigua and Barbuda in the West Indies and Colombia in South America. 

“Scotland is a country with a long history of disproportionately contributing climate wrecking emissions from burning fossil fuels – but with incredible renewable energy resources now. This puts us in the best position going forward to encourage a planned global phase out of fossil fuels by championing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

In Glasgow, campaigners held a banner demonstration in George Square to call on Glasgow City Council and the Strathclyde Pension Fund to stop investing over £433 million in some of the world’s biggest fossil fuel polluters, including BP, Shell and French oil giant, TotalEnergies.

Total is one of the companies responsible for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline which, if completed, could produce more than 379 million tonnes of climate-heating pollution.

Over the next week (13 – 20 September), activists in Scotland will join hundreds of thousands of people mobilising in more than 200 protest events, spanning over 50 countries in all continents. 

The Global Week of Action comes as world leaders embark on a series of crucial international climate meetings including the UN General Assembly, the UN Summit of the Future, the Global Renewables Summit and COP29 in Azerbaijan.

The concerted action will raise the pressure on governments to urgently implement a fast, fair and funded phase out of fossil fuels and to commit to paying adequate climate finance for the damage that has already been caused.  

Sally Clark, Divestment Campaigner with Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “With record temperatures and extreme weather around the world, it’s never been more urgent for our councils and the Government to stop funding fossil fuel companies like BP, Shell and TotalEnergies that are driving climate breakdown and injustice around the world. 

“For the sake of our planet, it’s vital for our politicians to divest from fossil fuels and say no to climate-wrecking projects like the Rosebank oil field and the proposed new gas power station in Peterhead. 

“By instead investing in genuine climate solutions like social housing and wind and solar power, we can protect communities and ensure a liveable future for everyone.”

Climate campaigners are warning the UK Government that to be compliant with the goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the transition out of oil, gas and coal must be done at a pace and scale required to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5℃. 

However, many Global North countries including the UK continue their fossil fuel expansion and provide billions in fossil fuel subsidies, and even prop up fossil fuel expansion in the Global South with public and private investments. 
 
There will be actions across the UK throughout the week, led by groups including the Climate Justice Coalition, War on Want, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Global Justice Now Scotland, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Stop EACOP Edinburgh, Fossil Free London, Fossil Free Parliament, Biofuelwatch and others. 

Tyrone Scott, Senior Movement Building and Activism Officer at War on Want said: “The UK government’s reliance on oil and gas is worsening climate breakdown with the UK already the second largest oil and gas producer in Europe whilst continuing to expand fossil fuel operations.

“Now, with a new government in place, we need to raise pressure to ensure they make adequate commitments to tackle the climate crisis. This new government might be better at saying some of the right words when it comes to climate, but their actions must speak louder.

“We’re taking action over the next week to stand in solidarity with our global movements and partners who are facing the worst effects of climate breakdown.”

Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, said:  “We demand action, not empty words. Rich nations call for a transition away from fossil fuels but do little to reduce their own emissions, and instead we are seeing their continued oil, gas and coal expansion.

“This double standard perpetuates the colonial legacy, and disproportionately devastates communities in the Global South. Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean are paying the price with lost lives, destroyed infrastructure, and ruined livelihoods. Rich nations must lead and end the expansion of fossil fuels.”

UK disorder – Police Scotland update

EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT

Police Scotland continues to engage with our communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

Today (Wednesday 7 August, 2024) Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.

Our Chief is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for our policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.

“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.

“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.

“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.

“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.

“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”

FIRST MINISTER MEETS FAITH LEADERS

First Minister John Swinney has held positive talks to provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.

The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with communities around the country.

He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK. 

Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide people.

“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in Scotland to express our solidarity together – we respect each other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.

“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.” 

The First Minister met with representatives from the following faith and refugee groups this morning:

  • Scottish Hindu Foundation
  • Scottish Association of Mosques
  • Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
  • Senior Rabbi, Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue
  • Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
  • Scottish Episcopal Church
  • Church of Scotland
  • Muslim Council of Scotland
  • Scottish Refugee Council

The First Minister also met with:

  • Jo Farrell (Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Alan Speirs (Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Gary Ritchie (Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Douglas Ross MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
  • Anas Sarwar MSP (Scottish Labour)
  • Lorna Slater MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Secretary of State for Scotland @IanMurrayMP has also written to reassure Scottish faith communities and underline there is no place in Scotland for racism, bigotry, or the politics of hate:

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A STATEMENT BY EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION

Police Scotland ‘monitoring protests in other parts of the UK’

Police Scotland is closely monitoring the violent protests which have occurred in parts of the UK over recent days.

Police Scotland wishes to reassure communities that there is no intelligence indicating similar incidents are likely in Scotland. We continue to liaise with a range of partners to maintain this level of reassurance.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton, Policing Together, said: “We understand that these recent events may cause concern, that is why we have focused our efforts on increasing policing visibility and engagement across the country as our primary commitment remains the safety and wellbeing of all our communities and our officers and in building trust and confidence.

“We continue to closely monitor the  events in England. Police Scotland is dedicated to upholding human rights and will not tolerate violence or discrimination against any group.

“ We wish to thank the Scottish people for their support and while we believe there is no cause for alarm, we encourage anyone with concerns or information to report them to us.”

Edinburgh march joins global calls for fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels

Climate campaigners will march through Edinburgh today (16 /9/ 23) to demand the UK and Scottish Governments develop a plan for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels. 

The protestors are demanding action to phase out oil and gas in the UK including a halt to controversial projects like the Rosebank oil field and a new gas-fired power station in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. 

Organisers say there must be a fair and fast transition for the workers and the communities most affected by the move away from fossil fuels and these people should be at the heart of planning this transition to ensure it meets their needs.  

The march is one of 400 actions taking place around the world with millions of people involved this weekend ahead of a UN Climate Ambition Summit of world leaders in New York next week.

Scientists, energy experts and climate campaigners agree that there must be no new investment in oil, gas or coal anywhere if the world is to limit further climate breakdown. Despite this the UK Government wants to “max out” new North Sea oil and gas and grant over 100 new licences for further oil and gas exploration. 

The march is organised by a coalition of groups including Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Fridays for Future, Climate Justice Coalition, War on Want, Extinction Rebellion Edinburgh, Scot.E3, Greenpeace Edinburgh and Youth in Resistance. 

Steve Gray, a delegate of Aberdeen Trades Union Council who will speak at the rally after the march said: “Aberdeen Trades Union Council welcomes the opportunity to march in solidarity with the climate justice movement and thanks everyone for their support for a just transition for workers employed by the fossil fuel industries.

“The tragic deaths caused by the Stonehaven trail derailment during a storm showed the devastating impacts of a changing climate. Aberdeen Trades Union Council, alongside our STUC allies, recognise that we cannot allow these hazards to multiply and threaten our communities.

“All our gains from free school education to votes for working people and equal pay for women have been won through collective struggles. We can once again win this shared fight and secure decent jobs for people building climate resilient communities in Scotland and around the world.”

Lucia Harrington, Lead Organiser of Fuel Poverty Action who campaign for insulated homes and clean, affordable energy for all commented: “Our households’ resources, and the earth’s resources, are being exploited by the profiteering fossil fuel industry, and this is driving fuel poverty and climate disaster.

“

One of the leading causes of the cost of living crisis was that fossil fuel powered energy companies were allowed to make record profits at the expense of millions of people who are forced to go without heating, hot water and electricity.

“We need a just transition now to an energy system that works for people and the planet. Many workers in the fossil fuel industry want to be part of this transition without losing their jobs and falling into fuel poverty.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “Millions of people will be in the streets around the world because politicians are failing to deliver the fast and fair transition away from the fossil fuels that are fuelling climate breakdown.

“

The near daily climate disasters we are witnessing from Libya, to Greece to China are driven by the burning of fossil fuels yet politicians are still cheerleading for fossil fuel companies. Rishi Sunak’s plan to ‘max out’ oil and gas will maximise climate destruction while the Scottish Government is considering approving a new gas plant at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire which will lock us into burning fossil fuels for decades to come.”  

“Marchers in Edinburgh are calling for a properly planned transition away from oil and gas which is led by the workers and communities most affected. A credible plan to switch to renewables can deliver huge benefits to people such as more affordable energy, secure green jobs, warm homes and a safe climate.”

Book Festival Baillie Gifford concerns: Can We Talk?

DIRECTOR ISSUES APPEAL TO AUTHORS

YESTERDAY (Friday 11 August 2023) Edinburgh International Book Festival received an open letter from over 50 authors querying their sponsorship by Baillie Gifford.

Below is a response from the Book Festival: 

Nick Barley, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: 

“ Dear authors,

Thank you for your letter about the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s sponsorship by Baillie Gifford.

Writers are the lifeblood of this festival. We exist to offer you and your readers the chance of open discussion about the things that matter to you.

We fully acknowledge your concerns about the devastating impact of fossil fuel exploitation on the climate: as individuals and as a charity we firmly agree. 

For these reasons we promise to think about your letter carefully. The last thing we want is to let anyone give the impression we are on opposite sides.

Just as we promise to listen carefully to you, we ask that you allow us some time to consider your comments. We’d also like to share with you the reasons why we have accepted this sponsorship agreement. 

Like all arts organisations in the UK, we wouldn’t have enough funds to operate without private sponsorship. We looked very closely at the work of Baillie Gifford and it seems to us that they are in fact investing in companies that are seeking to resolve the crisis.

Those companies include Ørsted, the Danish windfarm specialist. Ørsted was mandated by the Danish government to keep two coal-fired power stations open until 2024 as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and that is the only reason why a small percentage of their income still comes from fossil fuels.

I hope you will talk with me and my colleagues, and discuss the complexities of this issue with us. Surely the best place for such conversations is at Book Festivals like ours. I invite you to the festival because I believe in the power of your words.

I am keen to learn from you about this; to hear your expertise; to understand your perspective. I promise to consider what you say carefully, and keep an open mind about how to proceed.

For that reason I’m proposing that we talk at the festival – with each other and with audience members who share the same concerns. Let’s talk in the Authors’ Yurt, in the bookshop, in the cafe and in the festival courtyard. Let’s talk in our theatres too: I’d like to find a time when we can invite representatives from across the spectrum of opinion to come on stage and have a discussion which will be open to the public. We’ll find a date when that’s possible and you’d be more than welcome to join us.

Can we talk?”

Edinburgh International Book Festival opens this morning

City centre grinds to a halt as Scotland marks Royal Coronation

National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla with a series of events in Edinburgh today.

The King, accompanied by The Queen, will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – Scotland’s crown jewels – at a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The service will be preceded by a ‘People’s Procession’ of 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, which will travel from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Procession, which will travel to the Cathedral from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Public opportunities will be available along the Royal Mile to view the procession, and the accompanying military bands and escorts.

The St Giles’ Service will be followed by a 21-Gun Salute fired from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast down the Royal Mile by the RAF Red Arrows.



The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, who is a republican, said: “Scotland will mark the visit of The King and Queen this week with a series of events to celebrate the Coronation, and I’m looking forward to representing the people of Scotland at today’s historic service at St Giles’ Cathedral.

“Those who wish to be involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage of the proceedings, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited and a number of roads in the area will be closed, so I strongly encourage anyone attending to arrive early, use public transport if possible, and come prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.

“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

City Council’s dedicated webpages, 

www.gov.scot and 

www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

See also Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.

Whoopy Do! King and Queen are coming to Edinburgh

Viewing opportunities for the public at city centre events

Public viewing areas will be available along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as part of events to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Wednesday 5 July.

Events will begin around lunchtime and will include:

  • a People’s Procession, involving around 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, walking on foot from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by a military escort and cadet force bands
  • the Honours of Scotland escorted from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers) and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force with a military band and pipes and drums
  • military pipe and drums, bands, and members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment processing along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral
  • a Royal Procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral, attended by The King and Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay
  • a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral and presentation of the Honours of Scotland to The King. The Stone of Destiny will also form part of the ceremony
  • a 21 Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • a flypast by the Red Arrows (in the direction of Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse)

There will be pavement space along the Royal Mile for people who wish to watch events in person. Those intending to come are advised to arrive early and prepare for changeable weather conditions.

Traffic restrictions and temporary road closures will be in place around the Royal Mile on the day of the events.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Next week Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen with a series of events to mark their Coronation. Highlights include a People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, and a Gun Salute in Edinburgh.

“Many different people, charities and organisations from across the country will be involved. I will attend the Service at St Giles’ Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event.

“Any members of the public who wish to get involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited so those planning to come should arrive early and be prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

King and Queen visit to Edinburgh July 2023: events – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Timings:

1315   People’s Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

1330   People’s Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1340   The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort

1340   Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square

1350   The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle

1405   Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse 

1410   Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1415   National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins

1515   Service ends

1520   The King and Queen exit St Giles’ to Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle

1527   Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse

1540   RAF flypast down the Royal Mile

POLICE SCOTLAND: ENGAGEMENT WITH PROTEST GROUPS

Engagement with protest groups is ongoing as part of preparations for a Coronation event being held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.

The event will take place during Royal Week where His Majesty King Charles III will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral, following processions on the Royal Mile. 

Police Scotland has been working with a number of key planning partners including the Scottish Government, Palace of Holyroodhouse, transport agencies and City of Edinburgh Council.

Police Scotland’s supporting role is to help the organiser deliver their event safely and securely and with dignity. One part of that is considering potential protests and a proactive engagement approach.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police lead for the event, said: “Our priority is public safety and a policing plan is in place to maintain people’s safety, ensure the safe delivery of this significant event, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.

“Decisions about how to police protests require us to balance complex and often competing rights and issues.

“We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest. Our human rights based approach and legislation that applies in Scotland is unique amongst UK policing.

“Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.

“Officers on the ground have to make dynamic assessments to quickly consider whether someone’s behaviour breaches the threshold of criminality. There are a range of factors and circumstances that affect this decision making, including considering the risk that behaviour has on the safety of those at the event, as well as any triggers that may lead to wider disruption.

“Every situation is unique. Safety is our priority, balanced against people’s rights.”

There will be road closures in Edinburgh and people should plan ahead by checking with City of Edinburgh Council and Traffic Scotland on their website and social media channels. Air restrictions for drones will also be in place.

Protest groups can contact Police Scotland by emailing OSDPLO@scotland.police.uk

More information about the event can be found on the Scottish Government’s website: Scotland marks Coronation of The King and Queen – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The Public Order Act 2023, which has recently been referred to in England and Wales, does not apply to Scotland.

Rioters can expect ‘robust response’

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said Police Scotland will continue to provide a robust response to any potential disorder across the country.

He said: “We are aware of a few planned demonstrations and protests which are due to take place across Scotland this weekend. We live in a democratic society and Police Scotland is absolutely committed to respecting people’s rights to freely and peacefully express their views.

“Recent disorder in George Square saw people hijacking a peaceful event with the intention of violence and thuggery.

“This remains completely and utterly unacceptable and we will not tolerate these scenes, including attacks both physical and verbal on the public and our officers.

“My message to those who have been involved in the disgraceful scenes witnessed over the last couple of weeks is that if you continue to behave like this then be prepared to be arrested.

“We have a comprehensive policing plan in place with access to additional resources that can be deployed very quickly to respond to incidents of disorder anywhere in Scotland.

“However, I would remind people that the lockdown restrictions remain in place and people should only leave their homes for very limited purposes. Anyone who wishes to protest should find another way of doing so that keeps everyone safe.”

Protest … but do so safely

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has urged people planning to protest against racial injustice to do so in a way that safeguards them and the wider public from the on-going threat from coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mr Yousaf said: “In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, it is again clear that the scourge of racism continues to blight every nation on earth, and all of us must play our part in tackling it.

“I fully understand and feel the anger, and the sadness, that leads people to want to gather together and to show solidarity and community at this time.

“Unfortunately, the threat of COVID-19 is still with us and I must urge people not to attend mass gatherings, which pose a clear risk to public health, even with social distancing in place.

“The Scottish Government advice is still that no more than eight people should meet at any one time, and for those people to be from no more than two households.

“I would encourage people to explore alternative ways to make their voices heard on this vital issue, including for example through social media and by engaging friends, families and work colleagues.

“In Scotland, we value the considerable and important role of our diverse minority ethnic communities. We cannot, and will not, tolerate hate crime, prejudice or discrimination of any kind. It is not enough to simply not be a racist – we must be anti-racist, by supporting our minority ethnic communities, and condemning racism, hate and injustice wherever we find it.

“I hope we will soon be able to gather together to show our solidarity. But until then we must continue to do what is necessary to protect the health of everyone, following the guidelines. That is the best and quickest way to ensure we continue along the path of easing lockdown, and meet again sooner rather than later.”

If someone is a victim of a racist hate incident, or a witness to one, they can contact Police Scotland or one of the third party reporting centres that continue to provide a service by telephone or online.