Police Scotland has announced that they will be patrolling statues across Scotland which have links to slavery.
The news comes as Edinburgh City Council confirmed that they are erecting a plaque next to the Melville Monument in St Andrew's Square to explain Henry Dundas' links to the slave trade.
A second Black Lives Matter movement is also being organised around the under-fire Melville Monument which has been vandalised in recent weeks.
Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey recently commented that he would feel "no sense of loss" if the memorial was removed.
Dundas Street in Edinburgh has also been targetted with vandalism with a shop on the street being defaced.
Assistant chief constable Kenny MacDonald announced that police will be deployed near the statues across Edinburgh and Scotland which have links to the slave trade.
He said: “We are aware of a small number of events scheduled to take place this weekend, however, our firm advice remains that people should find alternative ways to protest rather than attending mass gatherings, for example through digital means.
“I am aware that vandalism of a small number of monuments and statues has taken place in recent days.
“Such action is criminal and will be fully investigated.
“Police officers will be providing additional patrolling around such monuments and statues in the coming days to deter such criminality.
“We understand that people want to make their voices heard, but they must do so lawfully and peacefully.
“We would encourage everyone to continue to follow the Scottish Government’s regulations and guidance to help the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives.
“There will be an appropriate policing plan in place for the coming days and into the weekend.”
