Terror threat in Edinburgh 'severe'

The UK has increased its terror alert for tourists planning to travel to France and Germany, following reports that an attack is “highly likely”.

Both the US state department and the UK Foreign Office are advising tourists to take greater caution when visiting the continent.

The Foreign Office travel advice to France and Germany warns of a “high threat of terrorism”.

In addition, the US state department stated: “Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests.

“U.S citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.”

Some security sources have predicted that an attack may carry some similarities to the commando style attack in Mumbai, India in 2008.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Malziere addressed the issue at a news conference in Berlin, and urged people not to be alarmist about the threat.

Whilst the terror level in the UK is not as high as in France and Germany, a Home Office spokesperson said: “We know we face a real and serious threat from terrorism.”

Although the Home Office declined to comment on any specific threat to Scotland, the Glasgow airport attack in 2007 is still fresh in the mind of many Scots.

Edinburgh itself is seen by some as a realistic target for terrorism.

Dr Colin Fleming, a post-doctorate fellow in politics and international relations at Edinburgh University, told The Journal: ”Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are definitely under threat, and it is possible that Edinburgh is under greater threat than any other city.”

Fleming went on to say: “If commando attacks were to take place in Edinburgh, possible targets could include parliament, Holyrood palace and Edinburgh hotels.”

However, Fleming emphasized: “al-Qaida’s power has recently waned and the UK is not such a soft target as Mumbai.

“The level of scrutiny by the secret service in Britain makes it a lot harder for terrorist groups to launch an attack.

“Whilst Scotland may have been a softer target than England in the past, since Glasgow proper measures have been to taken to prevent it happening again.”

In regards to an attack on Edinburgh University, Fleming said: “The University and police will be involved in preparing for threats but whilst students should take care, they should not fear an attack.”

Edinburgh Council declined to make any explicit comment on the threat but did say: “We work closely with partner organizations to prepare and deal with issues which may affect public safety.”

An al-Qaida attack on a British Embassy vehicle in Yemen on 6 October served as a reminder of the threat of international terrorism.

Militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the vehicle and a Frenchman working for an Austrian Oil company was killed.

The current threat level, set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, remains at severe.