Two arrested in connection with climate protest at Edinburgh's National Portrait Gallery
The incident took place this afternoon
Last updated 26th Jul 2023
Two people have been arrested in connection with a climate protest at Edinburgh's National Portrait Gallery this afternoon.
A Portrait of King Charles was allegedly targeted by activists from the group This Is Rigged.
It is claimed the campaigners sprayed the words 'the people are mightier than a lord' (the slogan of the Highland Land League) on a painting of King Charles III.
This Is Rigged is demanding the Scottish Government vocally oppose all new oil and gas licensing, and create a clear and fully funded plan for a fair transition for Scotland's oil workers.
A Police Spokesperson told us: “We were made aware of protestors at the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait shortly after 3.05pm on Wednesday, July 26.
“Two people, aged 28 and 21, have been arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson at National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘This afternoon there was a protest at National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait. We have closed the Modern Portrait room. The rest of the gallery is open as normal for visitors. At the moment we are assessing the impact but there appears to be no sign of damage to any actual artwork.’