Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident in Barcelona on Thursday 17 August 2017. Clearly this comes soon after attacks in London and Manchester as well as other attacks abroad.

Police Scotland understand the public will clearly be appalled by these events and urge each and every member of our communities to remain united against extremism and hate.

Police Scotland will not tolerate any attempts to target any community by any misguided individual or group and will work with all of our partners to resolve any issues and address any concerns. Should anyone become a victim of, or witness to, any hate crime, they should contact the police and report the incident.

Please be assured that Police Scotland continues to work with partners at home and abroad to counter the threat from terrorism and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our communities.

Those visiting the Edinburgh Festival will be aware of the National Barrier Asset – a temporary deployed system of high security gates, portals and barriers positioned at key locations across the city centre. These barriers form part of Police Scotland’s holistic security plan for this year’s events and we continue to work with event organisers to dynamically review all safety and security plans and operations.

Operation Summer City police officers continue to patrol key locations and Festival venues across the city. They are supported by Divisional policing teams, Project Servator and other specialist police officers working to deter and detect criminal activity and keep people safe. Project Servator involves both high visibility and plain clothed officers working together with local businesses, event staff and communities to detect and report suspicious activity.

The UK threat level remains at Severe. We have no specific information that Scotland is at risk of attack and I would ask you to go about your business as normal, remaining alert but not alarmed. Communities defeat terrorism and we want members of the public to act on their instincts to help tackle the threat of terrorism.

Please be vigilant and if you suspect something is wrong then report it to the police. If you have any concerns or information about suspicious activity please contact the Police on 101, the UK Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or in an emergency dial 999.

During Edinburgh Festival you can also visit Operation Summer City police at the unofficial 999 venue in Princes Street Gardens East or the Police Information Centre, High Street. Further information and guidance can also be found on the following link
http://www.scotland.police.uk/assets/pdf/174967/212074/action-counters-terrorism-leaftlet?view=Standard

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our communities safe.