Students at one of Scotland's top universities have been threatened with expulsion for breaching social distancing rules after police were called to "illegal" parties.
University of Edinburgh has warned that "immature" students will face punishment for "reckless" behaviour which waste police time.
Officers were repeatedly called to Pollock Halls, where students had congregated for parties in the student accommodation.
They refused to disperse after being asked to do so.
READ MORE: House parties linked to multiple new cases of Covid-19 in Ayrshire
Gavin Douglas, deputy secretary of student experience said: “Neither the university nor the police can accept this sort of reckless and immature behaviour, which puts the health and safety of others at risk and wastes police time.
"As a University of Edinburgh student, you are bound by the University's Code of Student Conduct. Behaving in a way that impairs safety is an offence under the Code.
"The University will take the strongest possible action under the Code if there continue to be illegal gatherings of our students.”
He confirmed any student taking part in gatherings of more than six people from a maximum of two households, whether on or off campus, risks immediate suspension from the university and exclusion from university accommodation.
Anyone who flouts the current coronavirus rules is at risk of being fined on the spot.
Police Scotland confirm that repeat offences will lead to prosecution.
READ MORE: Coronavirus outbreak at major Scots hospital forces staff to put ward into lockdown
Mr Douglas added: “As a result of the problems in recent nights, we will be removing all outdoor seating from around the Pollock site.
"We are also ceasing the option to take food away from the John MacIntyre Centre and we will review this position regularly.
“The covid19 pandemic requires all of us to make changes to the way we live in order to stop the spread of disease and keep others safe.
"Life for all of us has to be different as a result."
Are you a student at the University of Edinburgh and want to talk about this? Email eleanor.duffy@newsquest.co.uk
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