ARMED police form part of the “rings of steel” protecting Scotland’s Christmas markets as security is bolstered amid fears of Berlin-style copycat terror attacks.
The armed officers, along with, concrete barriers and stop-and-search checks, have been introduced at festive markets throughout the UK.
A heavy police presence was seen at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, which opened at the weekend.
Armed officers were seen on patrol and concrete bollards were in place at the Princes Street Gardens market, alongside festive shoppers.
Pedestrianised areas were blocked off to prevent vehicles driving into crowds – after an Islamic State fanatic killed 12 when he ploughed a lorry through Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz last year.
Armed officers are also understood to be on patrol in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is working with event organisers and partners across Scotland in the run-up to the Christmas period to give advice and guidance on safety and security measures, taking into account any specific intelligence and the wider threat.
“Our priority is the safety and security of all those attending or involved, and the public are encouraged to continue with their plans to attend or take part in events as normal.”
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