Organisers of proposed mass gatherings protesting lockdown measures have been branded “foolish,” “selfish” and “daft” by local councillors.
The protests, due to be held this weekend across the UK including Aberdeen and Inverness, have been organised by the UK Freedom Movement.
In flyers circulating online the group is encouraging people to join them to “say no to the Coronavirus Bill, say no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown”.
Depute provost for Aberdeen City Council, Jenifer Stewart, described the meetings as “cuckoo behaviour” saying it was “shameful” that people would flout the rules.
She said: “This is a very foolish act. It is crucial that we keep adhering to the Government guidelines if we want to bring an end to the virus.”
Councillor Martin Greig, said: “Burdening our health services, that are already stretched to capacity, is selfish and the proposal to gather is absurd.
“It expresses a death wish and it is difficult to believe anyone could be so thoughtless and so heartless.”
Highland Council depute provost, Graham Ross said the gatherings were “totally irresponsible” and putting lives in jeopardy”.
“For a mass amount of people to meet up like this is outwith the law and wrong,” he added.
Highland Councillor, Bill Boyd said the protests were “daft” and “deliberately provocative”.
He added: “I advise the public to keep safe and help others to be safe too.
“These locations will still be here to welcome you when this is all over.”
Police have issued a warning to those proposing to attend the event, urging them not to take part.
A police spokesman said: “Officers 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.”
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, discussed the implications of the gatherings during her daily briefing in Edinburgh today.
She said: “Firstly, anyone that goes to a picnic in the park right now will be breaking the law… I’ve got every confidence the police will apply and enforce the law. So you’d be breaking the law, which is one good reason not to do it.
“But the other, perhaps even more important, reason not to do it is you’ll be putting people’s lives at risk.”
UK Freedom Movement has been approached for comment.
