Scotland 'not safe' on terrorism

The minister said Scotland is not a 'safe-haven' from threats

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson has warned Scotland is not safe from terrorists and urged the public to "remain alert".

The minister's comments came as a leading Scottish police officer was reported as saying the country is as much at risk of terrorism as London.

Ms Jamieson will fly to Brussels on Tuesday to discuss a Europe-wide approach to terrorism.

She said people in Scotland should be "alert but not alarmed."

"The horrific events in Madrid have confirmed that the threat of terror is a factor for every country in Europe," said the minister.

She added: "Ruthless international terrorists are mobile. They do not respect borders. Scotland is in no way a safe haven from these threats."

The public message remains the same - remain alert but not alarmed Cathy Jamieson

But Ms Jamieson said she has hopes for the conference in Brussels.

"We need to work closely together, across administrations and jurisdictions, to ensure that we close down the potential hiding places for those who would perpetrate these crimes."

She added that Scotland would remain vigilant in fighting terrorism.

"We are all rightly conscious of our unique legal systems and domestic structures - but in today's environment we cannot afford to be precious about them.

"Scotland, like the rest of the UK remains on a high level of alert. Security is kept under constant review to ensure we are as prepared as we can be.

"We are continuing to work very closely with our counterparts in the UK and EU in relation to this. The public message remains the same - remain alert but not alarmed," she said.

'We are watching'

Head of the Association of Police Officers Scotland and chief constable of Tayside Police, John Vines, said al-Qaeda cells could be active north of the border.

He told the Sunday Herald: "Scotland is a terrorist target. We have to be as vigilant as every other country.

"Special Branch is monitoring people who are of interest to us but I could never say that we are on top of all the suspects."

Mr Vine suggested new legislation to control and monitor anyone entering the UK.

"We don't know exactly how many terrorists may be in Scotland, but we are watching people.

"It is a frightening situation. What we are seeing in intelligence terms is that we are very vulnerable and need to be vigilant to try to avoid being the victims of terrorist attacks."

Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as high profile events such as Hogmanay celebrations were said to be targets and Mr Vine called for more police to deal with a possible terrorist attack.