The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lockdown protest planned for Fife park branded a dim stunt.
Police and politicians warn people to stay away from proposed lockdown protests
A proposed mass gathering in a Dundee park to protest against the coronavirus lockdown has been branded a “dim stunt” amid warnings by police and politicians for people to stay away.
The city’s Balgay Park is one of 60 sites that have been targeted to host picnic and music events organised by the UK Freedom Movement.
Flyers being shared on social media are promoting the gatherings as a response to what the group claims is “unlawful lockdown”.
Police have urged people not to go to the city park on Saturday, or to Kinbrae Park in Newport which is another named location.
Other planned venues across the country include Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, Glasgow Green and Queen’s Park, and Hyde Park in London. Organisers are urging would-be participants to “bring a picnic, some music and let’s have some fun and say yes to life”.
The proposal has been met with an intense social media backlash.
Dundee City councillor Fraser Macpherson labelled the plan “hugely irresponsible”. Balgay Park sits in the Liberal Democrat member’s West End ward and Mr Macpherson raised fears for people living locally. He said: “This dim stunt causes real concern.
“It is clearly in breach of Scottish Government instruction in relation to social distancing. Many constituents use the park for legitimate exercise, as is allowed, and this proposed stunt threatens to hamper that right.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of these leaflets and would strongly urge people not to take part.
“The Scottish Government’s guidance is clear – people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home. Public gatherings of more than two people, with limited exceptions, are prohibited.”
Dundee City Council said it is liasing with police, adding: “Parks in Dundee should only be used for exercise by people living nearby.
“Nobody should be meeting up with people from outwith their household, much less staging a mass gathering at a time when this virus continues to claim lives across the country
“The rules in Scotland are clear, as is the reason for them – to save lives.”
The Facebook UK Freedom Movement group describes itself as being “committed to exposing the truth regarding global affairs and how the few control the many”. Its event flyers for Saturday state: “We say no to the coronavirus Bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown.”