Police Scotland have condemned racism in all its forms, just two days before a huge Black Lives Matter protest is due to be held in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh with 7000 people set to attend.
When contacted for a quote about the event, which appears to breach Scottish rules banning mass gatherings, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Kenny MacDonald said:
“Like many people in Scotland, indeed across the world, I am shocked and distressed about the dreadful death of George Floyd and subsequent events in the United States.
“Racism in all its forms is disgraceful and unacceptable. Those events do not reflect our style of policing in Scotland and we continue to value the strong bond of trust with all our citizens and communities.
"A number of events are planned in response to the death of George Floyd, but with current public health restrictions and guidance in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus, I would ask those wishing to protest not to gather in large groups but instead please find an alternative, such as digital protests.
“We are engaging with any known organisers of planned events to provide such advice. Police Scotland will have an appropriate and proportionate policing plan in place for the coming weekend.”
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The organisers of the Edinburgh Black Lives Matter solidarity protest have insisted that the event will go ahead and that the pandemic should "not be used as a tool to keep us quiet."
Speaking to Edinburgh Live , organiser Cynthia Gentle said: "We want a space for people to be heard and show up and be present and support other people who have had experiences of racism".
Socially distant areas will be marked out for households at the event and stewards will also be controlling crowds, protesters must also wear face masks.
Anyone who shows symptoms of coronavirus has also been told not to come and protesters are being made aware they will be no toilets there on the day.
