Cumbernauld councillor charged after controversial anti-lockdown gathering in Edinburgh

By Conor MarlboroughA Cumbernauld councillor accused of organising two anti-lockdown demonstrations in the Capital is facing prosecution.

Police detained North Lanarkshire Council member Paddy Hogg (60) after a protest outside the Holyrood parliament building and following a large-scale demonstration in Holyrood Park

He was interviewed under caution and later formally charged with culpable and reckless conduct after “two unlawful gatherings were held in Edinburgh”.

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In a statement, the force said: “The first was held during the afternoon of Saturday, September 5, and the second on Thursday, September 10, outside the Scottish Parliament and in the surrounding areas.

“A 60-year-old man has now been charged in connection with both gatherings, which were held in opposition to the Covid-19 restrictions, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Superintendent David Robertson of Edinburgh Division said: “Officers attended both of these gatherings to help ensure the safety of the public and to remind those attending to adhere to the current guidelines.

“As we have routinely said, enforcement will be a last resort but we will use the powers at our disposal where required to do so.”

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Asked if it would be reviewing Mr Hogg’s membership of its committees, North Lanarkshire Council said that “each elected member is entitled to their own opinions, which do not always represent the council’s as a whole”.