SCOTLAND’s top police officers has said that security intelligence shows nothing to suggest “there is a terrorist threat to COP26 from terrorist groups”.

Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, warned that despite officers acknowledging that protests are part of global climate conferences, those wanting to stop the event taking place are likely to face being physically removed.

Mr Livingstone told journalists that his officers are “ready to support a safe and secure COP26”.

More than 7,000 officers are being drafted in from across all UK police forces, who Mr Livingstone said will “work to the values of policing in Scotland” while under his authority.

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On some days during COP26, more than 10,000 officers will be on duty.

Mr Livingstone also spoke about the role of protests at the event.

He said: “The United Nations, the organisers of this enormous event, actually want people and encourage people to make their voices heard. It’s an objective of the conference.

“There’s an expectation and an encouragement of demonstrations or protests.”

But he issued a warning to “those intent on violent disorder and damage” and people who “seek to disrupt the climate conference actually taking place” that “we will respond swiftly and we will respond robustly”.

Pressed over what robust measures may include, Mr Livingstone said “it will involve physical engagement because a number of protesters will not remove themselves voluntarily”.

Appearing to pre-empt officers physically removing activists from certain locations, the chief constable admitted “at times it may well look quite messy”.

Mr Livingstone said he has held talks with the director general of MI5 when “a number of contingency plans” were discussed.

He said: “There is nothing that has been brought to our attention through intelligence or information that would suggest there is a terrorist threat to COP26 from terrorist groups.”

The chief constable said the threat level for COP26 is “moderate” which means “an attack is possible but not likely”.

Asked by The Herald about the potential for climate activists to disrupt operations at Grangemouth with the police focus on Glasgow, Mr Livingstone said that police “will have additional assets” near the chemicals and fossil fuels hub.

He added: “We have additional capabilities in terms of public order into Edinburgh.

“There are a number of iconic sites within Edinburgh and a lot of the consulate core are based in Edinburgh as well.

“We have specialist capabilities at strategic locations across Scotland that allows us to respond.”