PALESTINE solidarity activists have slammed Police Scotland’s “heavy-handed” tactics after deploying an armed officer and arresting six protesters to a peaceful protest.

The demonstration at Home Bargains on Aberdeen Beach on Saturday was the latest in the city led by the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (SPSC).

Activists urged businesses and weekend shoppers to boycott Israeli goods.

One of the six activists arrested remains in custody after refusing bail conditions to not enter Home Bargains, with a trial date set for March 21.

A statement slamming police tactics has been endorsed by a range of organisations, including the Communist Party, Aberdeen Anti-Fascist Alliance and Palestinian Solidarity Societes at Aberdeen and Robert Gordon Universities.

They said: “The disproportionate and again heavy-handed response by Police Scotland, including one armed police officer, highlights the continued efforts by Police Scotland to harass, intimidate, and intentionally attempt to prevent people exercising their lawful right to protest.

“We call on all in our community, the students, academic staff, trade unions members, workers, and everyone who believes in human rights and in doing the right thing to stand with us in resisting all forms of repression.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.50pm on Saturday, 15 February 2025, police were called to a report of a protest and alleged disturbance at a supermarket in Beach Boulevard Retail Park, Links Road, Aberdeen.

"Six people, one man, aged 35 years, and five women, aged between 19 and 62 years, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. One of the women, the 62-year-old, remains in custody. She is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday, 17 February 2025. The remaining five people were released on an Undertaking to appear at court at a later date.A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."