Police are preparing for two days of protest marches taking place alongside the COP26 climate change event with warnings that the public can expect disruption.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, of Police Scotland, said thousands of demonstrators were expected on the streets of Glasgow tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.
The officer stressed that "should violent disorder or damage to property occur, those involved will be dealt with swiftly and robustly".
He said: “Over the next couple of days we will see the biggest marches of COP26 with thousands of protesters converging on Glasgow on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 of November. Glasgow will be busier than usual on these days, on our roads, on public transport and on the streets.
“We have been working very closely with organisers of tomorrow’s youth march and are very encouraged by the high level of engagement to help deliver a safe event.
“This will be a family event focusing on young people and the future of our planet. We are really looking forward to our continued engagement with organisers to make sure young people get their opportunity to be heard in what is an amazing event with the eyes of the world on us all.
“Tomorrow and Saturday you will see an increased police presence in Glasgow but please don’t be worried. Officers are there to maintain the safety of the public and participants, as well as to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or to counter-protest. These rights are always balanced against the rights of the wider community.
“Our Police Liaison Officers will be deployed over the weekend, they will be wearing light blue police vests. They act as a link between event organisers and the police. Their aim is to make sure that participants can exercise their democratic right to demonstrate while helping to ensure the policing response is proportionate.
“Other specialist officers will be deployed for these events as will officers from other police services from around the UK who have come to Glasgow to provide assistance. So you’ll likely see officers in uniforms which are slightly different to those worn by Police Scotland.
“We have engaged with key campaign groups to ensure these protests can take place safety and with as little disruption as possible. However, we have made clear that should violent disorder or damage to property occur, those involved will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“If you’re going to a march, please act responsibly, be respectful in your actions, and follow the route and instructions given to you by event organisers or police officers.
“Whether you are attending the marches or are travelling to Glasgow for another reason, plan your journey in advance. Please prepare for delays and potential changes required at short notice for operational purposes.
“Remember, we’re here to support your rights, help your voice be heard and to keep everybody safe.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed on Thursday that the Prince of Wales had been invited to join Gretna Thunberg and thousands of activists on the climate change march but said taking part would be “difficult”.
In a speech to Cop26 negotiators he said he sympathised with the “frustration” of the younger generation and he told them the “weight of history” was resting on their shoulders.
Charles met more than a hundred heads of delegations, ministers and officials to urge on their efforts but sympathised with their plight saying the talks had probably cost them time to eat and sleep.
Speaking from Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery, he stressed how young people were seeking action from leaders to tackle the environmental issues facing the planet.
He told the negotiators: “There’s a lot of anger and a lot of frustration. There’s a big march tomorrow, which some people have said I should join – that’s more difficult – but the point is, please don’t forget these people out there. Don’t forget that it’s their future.”
Ms Thunberg has urged people to join the climate strike protest on Friday, part of her Fridays for Future marches, but it is understood a Cop26 youth group asked the prince to join them.
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