Police aware of plan to protest along motorway

Police are aware of a campaign group’s plan to “populate” bridges and footpaths along the country’s busiest motorway as part ofapro-independenceprotest.

The proposed demonstration would see individuals carry flags and banners on viewpoints along the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh on Saturday 7 April.

The organisers, calling themselves Yesm8, said the event was “about being seen” and was not intended to cause traffic disruption.

But some have expressed concern over the stunt, claiming it would be a distraction to drivers and could potentially lead to accidents.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman told The Scotsman: “However wellorganised and stewarded, large gatherings of people on motorway overbridges could be distracting for drivers approaching at high speeds, as well causing an obstruction to travellers on the overbridges and side roads.”

The spokeswoman added officers would work with the group to “facilitate the safe, lawful and peaceful assembly of the participants so that road travellers are not distracted, impeded or otherwise obstructed”.