Police warn against attendance

A shadowy organisation is encouraging Scots to break the lockdown this weekend and attend mass gatherings as part of a protest against government restrictions.

UK Freedom Movement, which appears to be run by veterans with far-right leanings, is calling on supporters to “part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.”

Flyers have been posted on Facebook and other social media stating: “We say no to the Coronavirus Bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal, and no to the unlawful lockdown.”

The protests are advertised to take place on Saturday in cities across the UK, including Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Many of the organisers appear to be conspiracy theorists who question how serious a threat coronavirus poses, are opposed to vaccinations and are angry at the imposition of lockdown rules.

People should “bring a picnic, some music and let’s have some fun and say yes to life,” the flyers add.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of these leaflets and would strongly urge people not to take part.

“The Scottish Government’s guidance is clear – people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home.

“Public gatherings of more than two people, with limited exceptions, are prohibited.”