The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Operation will test terrorist response across Scotland
exercise: Public should expect to see increased emergency services activity
Angus will test its terrorism response as part of a major exercise taking place in central and eastern Scotland and Northumbria.
Exercise Border Reiver will begin near Edinburgh and continue at smaller sites and individual properties across Scotland and the north east of England between today and Thursday.
The public has been warned to expect increased emergency services activity but have been told that the exercise is not being staged in response to any specific threat.
It is the result of more than 12 months of preparation and is designed to allow the emergency services, governments and other agencies to practise and plan for terrorist incidents.
No members of the general public will be involved and a senior Police Scotland figure said exercise areas will be cordoned off and tightly controlled to minimise disruption.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Police Scotland and other police forces throughout Britain regularly assess and exercise their counter terrorism resources and capabilities to ensure we can respond appropriately to any incidents, which may arise.
“Exercise Border Reiver is the culmination of months of planning with partner agencies from across the UK and the scenario that will unfold over the three days is a realistic, challenging and complex set of circumstances that could arise during a terrorist incident.
“In addition to uniformed officers, a range of specialist Police Scotland resources will be in play for the exercise and this will result in some significant activity within the public domain.
“Please rest assured this all forms part of the live-play scenario and there is no risk to the public.
“The public should be reassured that we are constantly testing and exercising our plans along with our partners. Police Scotland is committed to ensuring that Scotland is capable of responding to the terror threat that faces the UK,” he added.
City of Edinburgh, Angus and Northumberland County councils will test their responses to a terrorist incident in their areas.
Police Scotland said steps will be taken to inform people in local residential and business communities what to expect and the exercise will not affect day-to-day policing or emergency service responses.
The public should continue to report any concerns or suspicious activity by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Anonymous reports can be made to the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.