Nicola Sturgeon has hit out at “selfish and irresponsible" Covid idiots after more than 300 people were thrown out of an illegal rave at a rented Scots mansion.
Police shut down the party at a £1625-a-night property in Midlothian on Saturday night.
A senior officer last night accused organisers of the rave of having a “blatant disregard” for coronavirus rules on gatherings.
And a councillor called the ravers “selfish and irresponsible”.
In addition, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “It’s hard to put into words how utterly irresponsible this kind of behaviour is in current circumstances. It puts people at risk and threatens our progress out of lockdown.
“Please do not attend house parties just now.”
Police broke up the party at The Mansion House at Kirkhill, near Gorebridge, just after midnight.
They fined a 29-year-old man on the spot and further charges are being considered.
The 18th-century house is available to rent, its listing says the property can accommodate more than 32 people.
It’s understood party organisers told the “host” they were hiring the house for 10 people, including three children.
They had agreed to comply with current coronavirus regulations, including track and trace.
In a statement released on Facebook last night, the owners of the property said: “The man we dealt with seemed very pleasant and we went ahead with the booking and check-in.
“The booking was hiring Kirkhill for the entire weekend. As owners, we were then sadly contacted at 1.30am on Sunday by our old neighbours to say there was a huge rave and police were in attendance.
“We are seeking legal action against the organisers of this event and are devastated as a family that our trust was broken.
“Not only that, we felt sickened to have to clear up the aftermath and mess left behind.
“It’s our family home and we didn’t feel safe being there after so many people had been.”
Police said they are carrying out further inquiries into potential culpable and reckless conduct charges and licensing breaches.
Current coronavirus-fighting restrictions limit the number of people gathering indoors to eight from three different households.
A police source said: “The tickets were being advertised stealthily and shared on private social media pages and WhatsApp.
"We believe some people paid up to £25 for a ticket, possibly more. There was no social distancing and a few people were upset that their partying had been interrupted.”
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “Those attending this organised event showed a blatant disregard for the regulations in place to help save lives and prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"Further investigations are being carried out with a view to what other charges may be brought.
"Anyone attempting to hold such an event – or any party in clear breach of the law – should be aware they will be met with a robust response from Police Scotland.”
Councillor Stephen Curran – chair of Midlothian Police, Fire and Rescue Board – said: “Those 300 or so people didn’t just put themselves at risk of contracting coronavirus, they put residents across Midlothian and beyond at risk.
"To call them selfish and irresponsible is an understatement.
“It can be challenging following guidance but if the majority of us can do it then so can they.”
Police Scotland have responded to reports of about 300 house parties.
Officers broke up a party in Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, on Saturday and five fines were issued. Two men were arrested in connection with an alleged disturbance at the house.
