Police are praised for handling of Perth protest marches

Protesters, residents, businesses and councillors positive about police action

Police have been praised for their handling of a Scottish Defence League (SDL) rally and counter-protest in Perth.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said officers on duty at the march on September 10 were praised for “minimising disruption, keeping people safe and engaging well.”

The SDL protest, which was against Perth’s planned mosque, attracted hundreds of anti-fascist objectors.

Only one arrest was made (see above) at one of the biggest police operations ever mounted in Perth.

Mr Scott said: “In this case there has been a fair bit of positive dialogue from a range of sources including residents, businesses, elected councillors and even some protestors.”

He added: “It probably isn’t for me, or Police Scotland to say what a great job we did or otherwise, but I would like to thank the public, businesses, Perth and Kinross Council and other interested parties for supporting the police before, during and after the event, and also pay tribute to the staff who planned and policed the demonstrations and the commitment, dedication and professionalism they displayed throughout.”

Michael White, owner of Willow’s coffee shop and restaurant in St John’s Place, Perth, praised the police handling but underlined the damaging effect the event had on the business.

“Our takings were down by 70% on the day,” he said.

JD Wetherspoon, in Tay Street, did not open until 5pm on the day of the protest march due to concerns over possible violence.

Spokesman, Eddie Gershon, said: “The police never asked us to shut since they didn’t see us as a high-risk pub, but we are the cheapest in town.

“We were supposed to reopen at 4pm but we held back due to police advising there was no chance it would be finished before then as they were still using horses to control the crowd.

“We decided to shut based on not wanting to be seen to be involved in any way, and to keep all our staff and customers away from any risk.”

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I would like to thank the public... for supporting the police before, during and after the event. CHIEF INSPECTOR IAN SCOTT

Picture: Phi l Hannah. Hundreds of anti-fascists took to the street to protest against the SDL march.