John Mason has described the introduction of buffer zones surrounding clinics where abortions are carried out as ‘disappointing’.

The SNP MSP, who had his whip removed in August for controversial comments surrounding Palestine, was among those who protested outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh today after the law was introduced.

He stood alongside members of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and held placards criticising the law.

Anti-abortion protesters are now no longer allowed to gather within 200 metres of facilities after the laws officially came into place today.

It comes three months after Holyrood overwhelmingly voted in favour of passing the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act, with Mr Mason being the only MSP to vote against it being introduced.

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And he took to social media earlier today to criticise it once more as he said: “Very disappointing that today sees the introduction of buffer zones around abortion facilities in Scotland.

“These and many other people are very unhappy about it. They believe that both lives matter... the mother's life and the baby's life.”

Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing the legislation, and those breaching the new laws could face an unlimited fine in the most serious cases.

The bill was brought forward by the Green Party’s Gillian Mackay MSP and she has reiterated her belief that is a massive step forward for women’s rights in Scotland.

Speaking as the legislation came into force, Ms Mackay said: “This is a crucial day for reproductive rights and healthcare in Scotland.

“I hope that it will be the end of the intimidation and harassment we have seen of people who are accessing healthcare.”

She stated: “Right from the first moment I saw footage of the protests, I could see how much damage they were doing and how many people were being impacted by them. I knew that I had to do everything I could to stop them.

“Over the days and weeks ahead, I will be working with the Scottish Government to ensure that patients and staff know where protesters can and can’t be so that they can report any activity that is against the law.”

I hope that this is a turning point and the beginning of the end of the protests, and that nobody else will have to endure them.”

The Scottish Government had also supported Ms Mackay’s legislation, with the women’s health minister, Jenni Minto stating: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights.”

The minister insisted: “No one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.”

She praised Ms Mackay and others who campaigned for the change, paying tribute to “the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process”

Ms Minto added: “The new zones of 200 metres around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”

Similar legislation is set to come into law in England and Wales on October 31.

Police Scotland confirmed they had spoken to a small group of protesters at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, who were then moved on when advice was given to them.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said:“Around 12.20pm on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, we were made aware of a small group of protestors within the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow. Officers attended, advice was given and the group left.”