'No plans' for army security alert

Security has been increased at airports

The first minister has said there are no "immediate" plans to call in the army in Scotland for a high-profile security alert of the kind evident at Heathrow Airport in London.

Speaking after a security summit with police chiefs in Edinburgh, Jack McConnell said the situation would be "monitored".

He said there was no terrorist threat specific to Scotland, but the generalised UK alert meant there was a need to be well prepared.

"We were assured this morning that we are", said Mr McConnell.

Jack McConnell: No specific threat

He said: "People should remain alert and vigilant.

"Terrorists should not be allowed to stop people from going about their daily business.

"We can be assured, however, that the police and other relevant authorities will continue to do all they can to keep the public safe."

He described the summit as "very useful and constructive".

Opponents of war

The First Minister chaired the summit at his official residence in Edinburgh.

Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace, and the Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC, took part in the meeting, along with three chief constables - William Rae of Strathclyde, Paddy Tomkins of Lothian & Borders and Andrew Cameron of Central Scotland Police, who is also chairman of the Association Of Chief Police Officer in Scotland (ACPOS).

Meanwhile MSPs are being lobbied by opponents of war at the Scottish Parliament.

Members of the Muslim Association of Britain, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Scottish Coalition for Justice Not War said politicians must represent the public mood.