ALL Under One Banner has accused police in Edinburgh of attempting to “deny our right to peaceful demonstration” after plans to march through the capital were disrupted.

In plans first submitted in January, AUOB had initially hoped to march from Johnston Terrace, at the foot of Edinburgh castle, to the Scottish parliament on October 2. However, it had to reschedule to September 25 to avoid clashing with the Queen’s official opening of the parliament.

At a preliminary meeting, the roads department pointed out various hazards on the suggested route, leading AUOB to draw up a new one, starting from Calton Hill.

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However, AUOB said the council committee has now decided it will only permit a route starting from the Galloping Glen, near Arthur’s Seat.

AUOB says this route, which is away from main urban areas, puts marchers at an “unacceptable disadvantage”.

Furthermore, the police require a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) to be in place a minimum of 28 days before such a march. Due to the council’s late acceptance of the application, there is not enough time.

Without a TTRO, police say they will not facilitate any march. But AUOB insists that police have the powers required, and called on them to “employ their well used stop and hold measures”.

The campaign group accused police of “refusing to take responsibility and do their job”, adding: “This is in direct contradiction to many instances where such measures are employed to facilitate gatherings which are not peaceful, family-friendly and inclusive in nature like AUOB.”

AUOB went on: “This is a testing time in Scotland when we must challenge the authorities' attempts to deny our right to peaceful demonstration, most notably after October 1 at the Scottish Parliament - where we will be rallying on Saturday.

“We either proceed with the Galloping Glen route or the Calton Hill route. Both are on the table, and we are keen to hear independence supporters' thoughts on this. One way or another we will march, this political interference by local police will fail and won't deter our resolve to peacefully demonstrate in our nation's capital.”

Superintendent David Robertson said: “The decision to amend the route, timing, or to prohibit any procession is a matter for the local authority, and we would always encourage organisers to submit the relevant application in plenty of time.

“Police Scotland works closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and other multi-agency partners, through the Events Planning Operational Group, to provide appropriate advice to ensure any potential risks are considered and planned events are delivered safely. We are currently liaising with the council and the event organisers with regards to this weekend’s planned event.

“We will provide a proportionate policing response to any procession and would remind those wishing to participate of their responsibility to do so within the law.”

Edinburgh Council declined to comment.