WATCH: Protesters refuse to leave Edinburgh Castle citing Magna Carta

The small group at the landmark in the capital told police they are 'seizing' the castle citing the 800-year-old document

Author: Greg Ockrim & Bryan RutherfordPublished 17th Aug 2021
Last updated 17th Aug 2021

Protesters identifying as "peaceful, sovereign" people refused to leave Edinburgh Castle. A small group was seen at the landmark on Tuesday afternoon and Police say officers attended.

In a Facebook video posted by the protesters one woman shouted as police appear "notice to compel" and tells the officers they are seizing the castle under article 61 of Magna Carta.

The document was first signed in the 13th century and has no standing in Scots Law.

The woman says she has put Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone "on notice" about them taking the castle.

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When she tells him "it's not a protest, we're actually taking it back" he replies: "Right, no worries."

The police constable then asks: "How many more people are you expecting to come to Edinburgh Castle today to join your protest?"

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers are currently in attendance at Edinburgh Castle and are engaging with a group of people who have gathered within the castle grounds."

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