HOGMANAY COVIDIOTS DEFY CROWD BAN
POLICE intervened after a crowd of revellers gathered at Edinburgh Castle on Hogmanay despite restrictions being in place.
Several hundred people sang and danced to see in the New Year before leaving when police vans arrived.
There were also reports of a crowd gathering at Calton Hill in the capital.
Reacting to the news of the guideline breaches, Scottish Lib Dem health spokesman and Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “We’re all wishing this year will be better than the last, and that we could have seen it in with friends and family.
“People overwhelmingly recognised the importance of doing Hogmanay differently, staying at home and raising a glass to the key workers keeping us safe. Those on the frontline could really do without these breaches adding to their workload and risking the spread of the virus.”
Meanwhile, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, said: “It’s unfortunate a small minority of people didn’t follow the public health advice and gathered for the bells.
“While 2020 was an incredibly difficult year and people wanted to celebrate the hope that 2021 brings, it’s important to keep following the advice and looking after each other.”
Scottish Tory health spokesman Donald Cameron said: “These events are hugely disappointing and people should know better. Police Scotland have my full backing in the action they took.
“With record numbers of pandemic cases in Scotland, following the rules on social distancing and mixing is non-negotiable.
“The vaccine does bring hope but we’re a long way from the end-game. It is imperative we act responsibly.”
Most Scots heeded warnings to avoid mass parties and celebrated at home with household members.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We were aware of gatherings at Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill around midnight on Hogmanay.
“Officers safely engaged with those in attendance and explained the current Government regulations, resulting in the groups dispersing without incident.”
There were no midnight fireworks at the castle but a display was held at the Wallace Monument in Stirling.