SDL Protest Passes Without Incident

A protest by a far-right group in Edinburgh has ended without incident, police have confirmed.

The Scottish Defence League (SDL) staged a static protest on Saturday after their request to march through the city was turned down by the council.

A counter-rally also took place with groups from across Scotland coming together to under the banner of United Against Fascism (UAF).

The UAF rally, which began at The Mound from 11am, was followed by a march through the city centre involving over 250 participants. Meanwhile, approximately 150 SDL activists gathered for their demonstration at the bottom of Waterloo Place.

Lothian and Borders Police said there was a "substantial" police presence in the city centre, with officers deployed along the route of the UAF march.

The force said that no arrests had been made during the day.

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "We are satisfied with the conduct of the vast majority of those who visited Edinburgh for their respective demonstrations.

"The day passed without significant incident and allowed local residents and businesses to go about their day with minimum disruption.

ACC Livingstone went on to thanks the Edinburgh public for their patience and support throughout the event.

He said: "Edinburgh remains a hub for various demonstrations to take place and Lothian and Borders Police have a wealth of experience in facilitating both planned and spontaneous gatherings."

Lothian and Borders Police was supported by colleagues from Strathclyde, Tayside, Fife and Central forces for the operation.

A previous SDL march held in Edinburgh in February 2010 saw five people arrested.

Source: STV