FM plea to anti-racism protesters

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged those protesting over the death of George Floyd to find an alternative to physical gatherings.

The first minister said: “It is the case, unfortunately... that large gatherings of people could pose a risk to health and to life.

“That’s the case whether it is a peaceful protest or a football match or any other gathering where people are coming together in close proximity.

“What I would say to those who want to protest, and I say this as an ally and supporter, is that we need to find ways of allowing people to make their voices heard and to make the points that many of us want to be made and to be heard right now but to do so in a way that is safe and is not putting people protesting or wider communities at risk.”

Ms Sturgeon said protesters should look at ways that would allow them to send a “very strong and unequivocal message” safely.

The first minister added that the Scottish Government, as well as “authorities at local level”, will be willing to offer guidance to protesters.

She added: “Everybody, and I know people the length and breadth of the country and I include myself in this number, feel extremely strongly about these issues.

“Let me say none of us, no country, no society, is immune from racism and we all have issues to look in the mirror about and confront.

“All of us feel a very strong desire to stand in solidarity with those protesting racism and to make it clear that this is an evil that has no place in our society.”