POLICE say there is no specific threat to Edinburgh Festival, but remain vigilant to the UK’s current threat level.
Police Scotland launched their annual Edinburgh Festival safety campaign yesterday, Operation Summer City.
The Edinburgh division remain vigilant to the UK’s international terrorism threat level, but say there is no specific threat to the capital and have rolled out a similar safety campaign to last years.
They are urging members of the public to help keep themselves safe during the Festival by looking out for each other, particularly late at night and when journeying home from events.
The public can expect to see a highly visible police presence in the city.
The police information centre on the Royal Mile and the ‘Unofficial venue 999’ in East Princess St Gardens will both serve as Festival police stations for the duration of the festival.
Operation Summer City was launched yesterday (1st August) at the Museum of Childhood on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Vice-Culture and Community Safety Convenour, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan was also present at the launch advising festival goers not to be alarmed, but to be alert.
Chief Inspector Helen Harrision, Local Area Commander for the City Centre said: “We are operating under the threat level as it is at the moment, and it is something that we all have to be aware of and be vigilant about but there is no specific threat related to the festival.
“We have rolled out a very similar plan to last year. Residents and visitors to the city, can expect to see a high-visibility police presence within the city centre and other busy areas over the coming month.
“Officers will be on hand to engage with the public, deter criminal activity and deal with any issues which arise.”
“We encourage people to plan their journey home, especially late at night, and look out for their friends.
Councillor McNeese-Mechan, who has been working with Police Scotland on their Festival security, said: “We want to make sure that everyone is having a safe and happy time.
“There is no indication at all that there is anything for us to be worried about, but I think that it’s quite important for the public not to be alarmed, but to be alert.”
