Travelers have taken over a storied site in Edinburgh, reportedly forcing their way through a protective fence to gain entry.
Local residents tried to block the group from accessing Huly Hill, a site with roots tracing back to 2500 BC, by installing concrete barriers at the entrance.
These preventative measures were implemented after frequent incursions by travelers in the past, amid reports that Edinburgh City Council declined to secure the area adequately.
Despite these efforts, the travelers succeeded in entering once more, with over a dozen caravans now stationed on the land, strategically located at the crossroads of the M8 and M9 motorways near Edinburgh Airport.
Concerned citizens are calling on Edinburgh City Council to remove the travelers swiftly, fearing potential damage to the site based on previous incidents of alleged vandalism.
In response, residents are renewing their appeals for the council to take definitive action to protect the site.
The travellers currently on site have allegedly already damaged the fence by forcing entry through a weak spot.
And the bollards, which were put in place by the Newbridge and Ratho Station Community Association with the help of local businesses, remain in place.
Travellers have occupied the Huly Hill site, which dates back to 2500 BC, despite residents erecting concrete blocks at the entrance
Pictured: A hole in the fence at the site. More than a dozen caravans are parked up on the plot of land – which sits at a junction of the M8 and M9 motorways near Edinburgh Airport
Concerned locals are demanding Edinburgh City Council evict the travellers before they cause any vandalism to the site as they allegedly had in the past
Residents have also reported feeling threatened when attempting to access the heritage site, and there is a growing sense of anger against the ‘inaction’ of Police Scotland and the council.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Newbridge and Ratho Station Community Association said: ‘Huly Hill is a site of significant archaeological importance, featuring a cairn and stone circle that date back to approximately 2500 BC.
‘The site was famously excavated in 1830, a process that uncovered various items of historical interest and solidified its status as a piece of Scotland’s ancient heritage.
‘Despite its protected status, the area has become a frequent target for unauthorised camps. Local residents remain haunted by the events of last year, when a large group of travellers occupied the land for an extended period.’
They added that the ‘occupation’ of Hully Hill often leaves the community with a ‘massive clean-up operation involving mounds of rubbish, discarded appliances such as fridges, and human faeces’.
The spokesperson also claimed that the council ‘blocked plans’ to secure the site last year which forced the Newbridge and Ratho Station Community Association to ‘find other solutions’.
It continued: ‘Following previous incursions, the association reached out to local businesses for support.
‘A nearby concrete company stepped in to donate heavy-duty concrete barriers, which were installed to block the majority of the site.’
The spokesperson went on to state that the portion of the fence now destroyed was highlighted to the council as a weak spot, but this warning was ignored.
They are now saying that the traveller group identified the weakness and destroyed the section of fence to gain access to the site.
‘The community went to great lengths to secure this site because we knew the risks,’ one local, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
‘To see that effort undermined is heartbreaking for everyone who cares about our local history and remembers how much environmental damage the last travelling community caused.’
Traveller communities have protected status in Scotland, and local authorities must negotiate systems of bureaucratic red tape before an eviction notice can be issued by the courts.
The council said they will assess the situation today, and a series of visits to the site are understood to be planned.
Early on Wednesday, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Tim Pogson said: ‘I completely understand and share concerns that residents have raised. Officers will be visiting the site today to assess the situation and determine what immediate steps can be taken.
‘Last year, officers met with representatives from the local community, HES and Police Scotland to explore longer-term measures to secure the site, alongside interim arrangements.
‘As much of the land is owned by the Scottish Government, we will continue to work with them and partners to support progress towards longer-term solutions.’
The Daily Mail has approached Edinburgh City Council for comment.
