Police have raided properties and made two arrests in connection with a suspicious package that was discovered near Edinburgh Castle in 2018. 

The block of flats on Granton Road is still sealed off whilst detectives carry out their investigation. Another address was targeted in the city centre.

Officers launched a major investigation in January 2018 after bomb disposal experts were called in to carry out a controlled explosion on the package. 

Today Detective Chief Superintendent, Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism said “Since the discovery of the item, officers from Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit have carried out extensive enquiries, including with European partners and law enforcement agencies.

“They have been absolutely committed to this protracted and challenging inquiry to identify those believed to be responsible. This has resulted in the arrest of two people today.”

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Police Scotland’s Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, added “Enquiries by Police Scotland are ongoing and I want to reassure the public that the activity in Granton Road and on King George IV Bridge was pre-planned and intelligence-led.

“You will see an increased police presence, however, there is no wider risk to the community.”