Man arrested under terrorism act after police station 'stand off' in Edinburgh

Protestors said they were supporting a woman who had been 'summoned' to St Leonard's Police Station in Edinburgh after receiving a letter.

A 68-year-old man has been arrested under the terrorism act following a 'stand off' at an Edinburgh police station.

Protestors gathered outside of St Leonard's Police Station in the capital on Monday morning, August 25, where chants of "let her go" could be heard.

Activists told Edinburgh Live that they were there in support of a pro-Palestine demonstrator who was "summoned" to the police station by Police Scotland after receiving a letter to her home about being involved in a protest in July.

Police Scotland have now confirmed a man has been arrested at today's protest under Sec 13 of the Terrorism Act, which makes it an offence to wear or display an item (such as clothing, an image, or a flag) in public in a way that creates a reasonable suspicion that the person is a supporter of a proscribed organisation.

In scenes at St Leonard's Street today, demonstrators held Palestinian flags and signs reading "It's not a crime to act against genocide" and "Ceasefire now".

Protestors told Edinburgh Live they were there to "support their comrade" and were "really concerned".

One demonstrator added: "We're all already distressed due to the violence [in Palestine]."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following a protest outside St Leonard’s Police Station today Monday, 25 August, 2025, a 68-year-old man has been arrested under Sec 13 of the Terrorism Act . Enquiries are continuing."