Ministers want a protest camp outside parliament to be removed

They are exercising their democratic right to protest and say they will do so until Scotland gains independence.

But in a bitter twist of irony, a campaign group is facing a legal challenge to remove its protest from outside the very building that represents those powers.

The Scottish Parliament said it is taking legal advice on campaigners from People’s Voice who have vowed to keep their IndyCamp Live campaign going on the ground just outside Holyrood.

A letter from Scottish Parliament clerk and chief executive Paul Grice to MSPs said the campers did not have permission to occupy Parliament land.

Campaigners however say they plan to keep the camp constantly manned until Scotland is independent from the UK, saying they are prepared to stay "however long it takes".

Jodi McArthur, who launched the campaign, stated: “This is the voice of the people Nicola Sturgeon has asked for. Now is the time to make a stand for our people and country. Join us in peaceful protest and occupation in support of Scottish independence.”

Protestors are preventing others from using this public space

The group states that it will rotate those staying outside the parliament to ensure it remains occupied at all times.

In a letter to members, Grice said: "The protestors have indicated they plan to camp indefinitely on parliament land without permission.

"As a Parliament we recognise the importance of peaceful protests in a democratic society and regularly accommodate demonstrations outside the Parliament.

"However, in seeking to occupy this land on a long-term basis the protestors are preventing others from using this public space. Their prolonged presence could also act as a draw for others with the same, or differing, views, thus exacerbating the situation.

"We are monitoring the situation and taking legal advice on the avenues open to the Corporate Body to return this area to public use."